Fluid Treatment Sensor Cleaning for Accurate Concentration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process fluids, such as metal working and washing fluids, contaminate sensors used for measuring concentration, leading to inaccurate readings and requiring frequent cleaning and calibration, disrupting the process.
Innovation Solution
A fluid treatment system with a sensor device positioned in a fluid path external to the system, where it can be regularly cleaned with industrial process fluid concentrate, and an ejector pump for adding concentrate without additional pumps, ensuring accurate measurements and prolonged sensor lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is continuously in contact with industrial process fluid to measure concentration, then measurement function is maintained, but sensor contamination occurs leading to incorrect readings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is extracted from continuous contact with the industrial process fluid by positioning it in a fluid path arrangement where it only briefly contacts the fluid during measurement. The sensor is removed from the harmful environment while maintaining measurement capability through periodic sampling of the fluid stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is pre-positioned in a strategic location within the fluid path arrangement where it can intercept the fluid stream for measurement without being continuously exposed to contaminants. The system prepares for measurement by directing fluid through the sensor's measurement chamber and then quickly moving it away to prevent contamination.
2Measurement precision
If sensor is frequently cleaned and calibrated to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is maintained, but process interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs self-cleaning by being exposed to fresh industrial process fluid concentrate that flows through it during normal operation. This continuous exposure to clean fluid automatically removes contaminants without requiring manual intervention, system shutdown, or separate cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement and cleaning functions are combined into a continuous process where the sensor continuously monitors concentration while simultaneously being cleaned by the flowing fluid. This eliminates discrete cleaning interruptions and maintains uninterrupted process operation.
3Measurement precision
If sensor exposure time to industrial process fluid is increased for accurate measurement, then measurement quality improves, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from prolonged exposure to contaminants by implementing a rapid measurement cycle where the fluid is quickly directed through the sensor's measurement chamber and then away. This minimizes the duration of contact between the sensor and harmful substances while capturing sufficient data for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is accelerated by rushing the fluid through the sensor's measurement zone in a brief, controlled passage. The system captures the necessary measurement data during this rapid transit and then immediately moves the fluid away, preventing prolonged contamination exposure.
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
The system maintains accurate sensor readings and extends sensor lifespan by minimizing exposure to contaminants and using the industrial process fluid concentrate for cleaning, allowing continuous operation without process interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
For measuring a concentration of an industrial process fluid concentrate in an industrial process fluid some kind of sensor is needed. For example, a refractometer may be used which optically measures the fluids refractive index.
Implementation Method 2
an ejector pump for adding concentrate without additional pumps
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a fluid treatment system for treating an industrial process fluid used in a system, said method comprising the steps of: transferring a part of the industrial process fluid used in the system through a first fluid path arrangement of a fluid treatment system which is connected to an outlet and an inlet of the system; measuring a concentration of an industrial process fluid concentrate in the industrial process fluid by a sensor device provided in the first fluid path arrangement of the fluid treatment system; adding an amount of this industrial process fluid concentrate to the industrial process fluid used in the system in order to maintain a predefined concentration level, wherein said amount is calculated based on the measured concentration, whereby the industrial process fluid concentrate is provided into the system via the sensor device in the fluid treatment system; cleaning the sensor device at certain time intervals by providing the industrial process fluid concentrate into the sensor device and keeping the industrial process fluid concentrate in the sensor device for a certain time period.