Dilution Liquid Recovery in Automatic Analysis Apparatus
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analysis systems for determining analyte concentrations in sample liquids often require a continuous supply of dilution liquid, which can be costly and space-intensive, especially in environments where infrastructure for supply lines is limited.
Innovation Solution
The method involves flushing a measurement unit with sample liquid, mixing it with a dilution liquid to create a diluted sample, producing a reaction mixture, detecting the parameter, and then recovering the dilution liquid from the waste mixture, eliminating the need for a separate supply of dilution liquid by using techniques like nanofiltration, distillation, or condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dilution liquid is supplied via a supply line or storage container, then the measuring device can perform routine dilution operations, but additional space and infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers dilution liquid from the waste liquid mixture discharged from the measurement unit. The waste liquid is collected in a collection container and then processed through a separating device that extracts usable dilution liquid, which is then reused in the dilution unit. This eliminates the need for continuous external supply of dilution liquid and reduces storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device serves itself by generating its own dilution liquid supply from the waste liquid it produces. The system creates a closed loop where the output waste stream becomes the input resource, eliminating dependence on external supply infrastructure and reducing the need for additional storage containers.
2Productivity
If dilution liquid is supplied via a supply line, then continuous dilution operations can be maintained, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own dilution liquid supply from waste liquid, eliminating the need for external supply lines and associated infrastructure. This self-sufficient approach removes installation and maintenance costs related to supply line infrastructure while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts usable dilution liquid from the waste liquid mixture through a separating device. This extraction process converts waste material into a useful resource, eliminating the need for external supply infrastructure and reducing both installation and ongoing maintenance costs.
3Ease of operation
If storage container with dilution liquid is used, then dilution operations can proceed, but the container must be regularly replaced or replenished
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous availability of dilution liquid by constantly regenerating it from waste liquid through the separating device. This eliminates the periodic interruptions required for replenishing storage containers, as the dilution liquid supply is continuously renewed rather than depleted.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding waste liquid, the system recovers and reuses it as dilution liquid. This continuous recovery process eliminates the need for periodic replenishment of storage containers, maintaining ease of operation without time loss.
4Productivity
If measuring device requires external dilution liquid supply, then dilution can be performed, but additional infrastructure is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waste liquid collection function with the dilution liquid supply function. The collection container that receives waste liquid is directly connected to the separating device that extracts dilution liquid, which then feeds back to the dilution unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate external supply infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device creates its own dilution liquid supply from its waste output, making the system self-sufficient. This eliminates dependence on external infrastructure for dilution liquid supply while maintaining full dilution capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for cost-effective, low-maintenance analysis by recycling the dilution liquid, reducing the need for additional storage or supply lines, and enabling efficient operation in various applications, including environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The dilution liquid is recovered from the waste liquid mixture contained in the collection container, especially by means of nanofiltration, distillation, or condensation
Implementation Method 2
The dilution liquid is recovered from the waste liquid mixture contained in the collection container, especially by means of nanofiltration, distillation, or condensation
Implementation Method 3
The dilution liquid is recovered from the waste liquid mixture contained in the collection container, especially by means of nanofiltration, distillation, or condensation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for operating an automatic analysis apparatus for determining a parameter of a sample liquid, including: flushing a measurement unit of the analysis apparatus with a first volume of the sample liquid; discharging the first volume of the sample liquid into a collection container containing a waste liquid mixture; producing diluted sample liquid by mixing a second volume of the sample liquid with a dilution liquid using a dilution unit; producing a reaction mixture of at least a portion of the diluted sample liquid and at least one reagent; detecting a measured value of a measurement variable of the reaction mixture in the measurement unit; and, after detecting the measured value, discharging the reaction mixture from the measurement unit into the collection container, wherein the dilution liquid is recovered from the waste liquid mixture contained in the collection container.