Flow-through Measuring Station Optical Sensor State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians face difficulties in quickly determining the state of sensors in flow-through measuring cells, such as the FlowFit CCA 250, during maintenance, as existing systems require cumbersome processes through transmitter/measuring transducers.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through measuring station with a fluid channel, sensors, and a separate illumination unit that operates independently of the sensor and transmitter/measuring transducer, using optical signals to indicate sensor states according to standards like Namur 107, with signal lamps emitting different colors to signify sensor functionality, maintenance needs, or diagnostic results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technicians use transmitter/measuring transducer to determine sensor state, then sensor state can be determined, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical interaction method (technician manually checking transmitter/measuring transducer) with an optical field method (illumination units emitting visible light signals). The illumination units provide direct visual feedback about sensor states through different colored lights, eliminating the need for technicians to manually interpret transmitter data, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining accurate sensor state detection
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination units serve as an intermediary between the sensor system and the technician. Instead of directly accessing transmitter/measuring transducer data, technicians receive processed information through visually intuitive light signals. The illumination units translate complex sensor states into simple color-coded visual indicators (e.g., green for normal, red for fault), maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing the time and complexity of maintenance checks
2Productivity
If separate illumination unit is added to indicate sensor states, then information about sensor states is provided more quickly, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination units serve multiple functions: they indicate normal operation, warn of faults, and provide diagnostic information through different colored lights. This multi-functionality allows a single added component to provide comprehensive sensor state information, improving maintenance efficiency without requiring multiple separate systems. The illumination units integrate visual indication, warning, and diagnostic capabilities into one element, making the complexity increase worthwhile given the productivity gains
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 plant operators to rapidly receive information about sensor states, facilitating quicker maintenance by visually identifying sensor issues or requirements through color-coded optical signals, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination unit comprises at least one respective signal lamp for individual sensors or individual flow cells
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-through measuring station includes at least one flow cell having a fluid channel. The fluid channel has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and is configured to conduct a liquid medium. One or more flow cells each include at least one sensor configured to be contacted with the medium and to determine at least one respective media property. At least one illumination unit is configured to indicate a respective state of at least one sensor. The measuring station also includes a transmitter/measuring transducer which is configured to operate the at least one sensor and the at least one illumination unit, and to determine in each case a state of at least one sensor.