Fluorescence and Scattering Concentration Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring hydrocarbon concentrations in fluids are either limited in range or excessively costly, making them unsuitable for monitoring trends in situations like oil-field produced water and wastewater treatment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using two light emitters, a light filter or dichroic mirror, and an imaging sensor to measure fluorescence and transmitted or scattered light, allowing for correlation-based concentration determination, expanding the measurable range while reducing costs by using CMOS or CCD imaging sensors and alternating light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescence measurement devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, sensitive photodetectors with inexpensive imaging sensors (CMOS or CCD cameras) that can be mass-produced at low cost. While individual camera pixels have lower sensitivity than specialized photodetectors, the aggregate signal from multiple pixels compensates for this, achieving comparable measurement precision at a fraction of the cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex optical detection systems with a simpler imaging-based system. Instead of using specialized fluorescence detectors with complex signal processing, the invention uses standard digital cameras to capture fluorescence images, leveraging software-based image analysis to achieve precise concentration measurements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional measurement devices with extended range are used, then measurable concentration range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of illumination intensity and exposure time to accommodate different concentration ranges. By varying these parameters, the system can measure both low and high concentrations using the same hardware configuration, eliminating the need for multiple detectors or complex range-switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (illumination wavelength, intensity, exposure time) to optimize measurements across different concentration ranges. This allows a single device to adapt to various measurement requirements without hardware modifications, maintaining simplicity while extending versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used alternatively, then measurement versatility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic alternation between different light sources (e.g., UV for fluorescence excitation and visible light for transmitted light measurement) rather than continuous operation of all sources. This time-multiplexed approach enables versatile measurements while minimizing energy consumption, as only one light source operates at any given moment.
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 accurate and cost-effective monitoring of fluid concentrations, overcoming the limitations of existing devices by increasing the measurable range and reducing expenses, making it economically feasible for applications such as oil-field produced water and wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The invention utilizes two light emitters, a light filter or dichroic mirror, a lens and an imaging sensor. The apparatus evaluates the magnitude of the fluorescence light emitted by the materials when excited by a light of suitable wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The present invention combines the use of fluorescence and light absorption principles
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus further evaluates the magnitude of transmitted or scattered light from another light emitter
Implementation Method 4
The invention utilizes two light emitters, a light filter or dichroic mirror, a lens and an imaging sensor
Implementation Method 5
The invention utilizes two light emitters, a light filter or dichroic mirror, a lens and an imaging sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method which measure the concentration of suspended, dispersed or dissolved materials in a fluid. The invention utilizes two light emitters, a light filter or dichroic mirror, a lens and an imaging sensor. The apparatus evaluates the magnitude of the fluorescence light emitted by the materials when excited by a light of suitable wavelength, and uses the magnitude in a correlation to determine the concentration of the materials to be measured. The apparatus further evaluates the magnitude of transmitted or scattered light from another light emitter, which is used through a correlation, in combination with the correlation for the fluorescence magnitude, to determine the concentration of the materials when fluorescence light alone cannot determine the concentration.