Dye-Mediated Optical Colloid Charge Measurement for Flocculant Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the flocculant requirement in liquid phase dispersed colloids are costly, time-consuming, and lack accuracy due to reliance on zeta potential or flow potential measurements, which are influenced by various parameters and require complex titration processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of three reagents, including a dye with ionic groups, to measure optical values directly, allowing for the determination of colloid charge through a calibration curve, eliminating the need for complex titration and providing a direct flocculant requirement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If zeta potential or flow potential measurement methods are used to determine colloid charge, then the charge can be measured, but the measurement results are influenced by various parameters (charge strength, salinity, viscosity) and cannot directly determine the flocculant requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dye as an intermediary substance that reacts with colloids to form colored complexes. The dye serves as a mediator that converts the electrical charge property of colloids into an optical property (color intensity) that can be directly measured and correlated to flocculant requirements, thereby losing no information about the actual process need
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from electrical properties (zeta potential, flow potential) to optical properties (absorbance, color intensity). By changing the measurement domain from electrical to optical parameters through chemical reaction with dye, the method achieves direct determination of flocculant requirements without being influenced by salinity and viscosity variations
2Loss of information
If colloid titration methods are used to determine the flocculant requirement, then the required amount can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and requires expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and electrical measurement systems (zeta potential meters, flow potential meters, titration apparatus) with a simple optical measurement system using a photometer or colorimeter. This substitution dramatically reduces equipment cost and measurement time while maintaining the ability to determine both charge and flocculant requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive reagents including common dyes and buffer solutions that can be prepared in advance and stored. These consumable reagents replace expensive specialized equipment and reduce the cost of each measurement, making the process economically viable for routine monitoring
3Measurement precision
If zeta potential or flow potential measurement methods are used, then the charge sign can be determined, but expensive specialized equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical measurement equipment (zeta potential meters, flow potential meters) with simple optical measurement devices such as photometers or colorimeters. These optical devices are widely available, inexpensive, and easy to operate, while the charge determination is achieved through the optical properties of dye-colloid complexes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes of dyes when they interact with colloids of different charges. The color intensity and hue provide direct information about charge magnitude and sign, converting an electrical property measurement into a visual/optical measurement that can be performed with simple equipment
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
Enables rapid, cost-effective, and accurate determination of flocculant requirements without the need for expensive equipment or complex titration, applicable to both cationic and anionic charges in colloids.
Implementation Method 1
the dye at least partially forms a dye complex with the second reagent, the dye complex having at least one local absorption maximum at a second wavelength that is different from that of the dye
Implementation Method 2
Irradiating the analysis volume with one or more wavelengths and determining the ratio of the transmitted intensity to the incident intensity, obtaining at least one wavelength-specific first optical value
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the charges of colloids of a sample dispersed in a liquid phase, as well as a kit and a system for carrying out the method.