Fluorescent Taggant Oil Detection in Tobacco Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in detecting and identifying oil or lubricant contamination in tobacco and tobacco products during processing and packaging, as existing methods are inefficient in real-time detection and source localization.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the addition of fluorescent taggants to lubricants in processing machinery, followed by infrared radiation exposure and detection using an infrared detection apparatus, which distinguishes different taggants to identify the source of contamination, enabling on-line, real-time monitoring and localization of contamination sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used for oil contamination, then detection can be performed, but real-time detection and source localization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Fluorescent taggants are added to lubricants in processing machinery before contamination can occur. This preliminary tagging enables immediate identification and source localization when contamination is detected, eliminating the time delay associated with conventional detection methods that require extensive sampling and analysis procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical detection methods with optical detection using fluorescence. The fluorescent taggants emit light when excited, allowing for rapid, non-contact detection and real-time monitoring of contamination sources without the time-consuming procedures of traditional oil analysis.
2Loss of information
If fluorescent taggants are added to all lubricants, then source localization becomes possible, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different fluorescent taggants with distinct spectral characteristics are added to lubricants used in different processing machines or zones. This localized differentiation enables precise source identification without requiring a completely new detection system for each machine, as the existing fluorescence detection apparatus can distinguish between different taggant types through their unique emission spectra.
Solution Approach 2:
A single fluorescence detection apparatus is designed to detect multiple different fluorescent taggants simultaneously by analyzing their distinct emission wavelengths. This universal detection system eliminates the need for separate detection devices for each lubricant source, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining source localization capability.
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
This method allows for sensitive and accurate detection of oil or lubricant contamination, enabling rapid identification of contamination sources and ensuring the quality of tobacco products by preventing contamination from machinery during processing.
Implementation Method 1
adding a fluorescent taggant to oils or lubricants contained in processing machinery for said product
Implementation Method 2
irradiating said product with infrared radiation from said detection apparatus as it passes the detection apparatus; and detecting infrared radiation emitted from said irradiated product
Data Source
AI summary
A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in a manufactured product, the process comprising adding a fluorescent taggant to oils or lubricants contained in processing machinery for said product, conveying said product past an infrared detection apparatus, irradiating said product with infrared radiation from said detection apparatus as it passes the detection apparatus, and detecting infrared radiation emitted from said irradiated product.