Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Real-Time Petroleum Contamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil contamination analysis methods are often offline and offsite, making them inefficient for real-time detection and monitoring of petroleum product contamination in pipelines, which hinders the ability to quickly identify contamination sources and prevent inefficient combustion.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy with a gear-less rotating diffraction grating and photon counting multi-scaler optoelectronic detection to generate spectral contour diagrams, allowing for real-time, onsite analysis of petroleum product contamination by irradiating the sample with a low-intensity pulsed light beam and correlating the fluorescence signal to determine contamination levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If offline and offsite analysis methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but detection speed and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sample handling and offline analysis systems with an optical detection system that uses laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. The system uses optical components (laser source, mirrors, diffraction grating, detector) to directly analyze petroleum products in pipelines without mechanical sample extraction or transport, achieving real-time detection while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system that allows remote, non-contact analysis of petroleum products. The fluorescence signal acts as an intermediary between the sample and the detector, enabling real-time monitoring without direct physical contact or complex mechanical intervention in the pipeline system.
2Speed
If real-time fluorescence detection is implemented, then detection speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential optical components needed for fluorescence detection, eliminating unnecessary mechanical and chemical analysis equipment. The system uses a minimal set of components (laser source, optical path with mirrors, diffraction grating, and detector) to achieve real-time detection, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high detection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pulsed laser source that operates in periodic cycles, exciting the sample only during brief intervals. This periodic action allows the system to accumulate fluorescence signals over multiple pulses, improving detection sensitivity without requiring continuous high-power laser operation, thereby reducing thermal management complexity and energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If low-intensity pulsed light beam is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but fluorescence signal intensity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous pulsed laser excitation over an extended period, accumulating fluorescence signals from multiple pulses. This continuous useful action allows the system to build up sufficient signal intensity even with low individual pulse energies, maintaining detection sensitivity while keeping each pulse's energy consumption low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying on single-pulse signal intensity to utilizing temporal integration of signals across multiple pulses. By adding the time dimension to signal accumulation, the system achieves sufficient detection sensitivity without increasing the energy intensity of individual light pulses.
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, accurate, and efficient detection of petroleum product contamination directly in pipelines, providing immediate data for contamination source identification and prevention, reducing the need for sample extraction and enhancing the efficiency of contamination monitoring and management.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the petroleum-based sample with a light beam from a light source such that a fluorescence signal can be generated
Implementation Method 2
guiding, by a mirror, the fluorescence signal to a gear-less rotating diffraction grating, the gear-less rotating diffraction grating spatially separating a fluorescence wavelength from the florescence signal
Implementation Method 3
detecting, by an optical detector, fluorescence wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for determining contamination in a petroleum-based sample, including irradiating the petroleum-based sample with a light beam from a light source such that a fluorescence signal is generated, guiding, by a mirror, the fluorescence signal to a gear-less rotating diffraction grating, the gear-less rotating diffraction grating spatially separating a fluorescence wavelength from the florescence signal, detecting, by an optical detector, fluorescence wavelength, transforming the fluorescence wavelength into a spectral contour diagram, the spectral contour diagram comprising a fluorescence wavelength variation over time, and determining, the contamination in the petroleum-based sample using the spectral contour diagram.