Fluid Turbidity Measurement Using Back-Reflection Geometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbidity measuring instruments for drinking water are complex, costly, and impractical for widespread deployment at points of use, limiting the number of locations where turbidity and discoloration can be monitored.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus for measuring optical properties of fluids, comprising a conduit, a light source, a photodetector, a diffuse reflecting surface, and a processing unit, which can be integrated into a water meter to facilitate widespread deployment and monitoring of turbidity and discoloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional turbidity measuring instruments are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented into three key components: light source, diffuse reflector, and photodetector, arranged in a compact configuration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall measurement accuracy, reducing the complexity of integrating multiple subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 90-degree scattered light detection to a back-reflection geometry where the photodetector is positioned at approximately 180 degrees to the incident light. This dimensional change in detection geometry simplifies the optical path and component arrangement while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional turbidity measuring instruments are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical measurement components into a compact integrated unit that can be deployed in various locations including water treatment facilities and field environments. This merging eliminates the need for complex alignment and setup procedures, significantly improving ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuse reflecting surface automatically redirects scattered light back toward the photodetector without requiring external alignment or adjustment mechanisms. This self-aligning property simplifies installation and operation, allowing the device to be deployed by non-experts in various field conditions.
3Measurement precision
If traditional turbidity measuring instruments are used, then optical property measurement is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercially available, low-cost components such as standard LEDs as light sources and off-the-shelf photodetectors, replacing expensive specialized optical instruments. This substitution of affordable components significantly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision for water quality monitoring applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the optical system by using visible or near-infrared wavelengths with simple LED sources instead of complex monochromatic light sources. This parameter change enables the use of inexpensive components while maintaining the ability to detect turbidity and discoloration through appropriate photodetector selection.
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 apparatus enables efficient and cost-effective monitoring of turbidity and discoloration in drinking water at points of use, improving the ability of utility companies to detect issues in the water network and respond to customer complaints.
Implementation Method 1
Turbidity measuring instruments typically employ an arrangement in which a sample is illuminated with light at a specific wavelength from a given angle, and detecting the amount of light scattered at 90 degrees from the incident light direction
Implementation Method 2
the light passes through the fluid and is reflected from the diffuse reflecting surface towards the at least one photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for measuring at least one optical property, for instance turbidity, of a fluid, such as drinking water, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a measurement section having a conduit for the fluid, at least one light source, at least one photodetector, a diffuse reflecting surface, and a processing unit for processing at least one signal received from the at least one photodetector for use in determining the at least one optical property of the fluid. The at least one light source, the at least one photodetector and the diffuse reflecting surface are configured such that, when light is emitted by the at least one light source and the fluid is in the conduit, the light passes through the fluid and is reflected from the diffuse reflecting surface towards the at least one photodetector.