Automated Gas Identity Verification via Density Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for verifying the identity of medical or pharmaceutical gases, such as nitrogen, are inefficient, unsafe, and lack specificity, particularly in the context of cryogenic gases, and require manual sampling and lengthy analysis processes.

Innovation Solution

An automated method for checking the identity of medical or pharmaceutical gases using a density measurement in an analysis device, which allows for direct on-site analysis via a tanker truck's existing sample gas connection, eliminating manual sampling and safety risks, and providing a rapid, specific, and tamper-proof verification process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sampling and traditional analysis methods are used, then identity verification can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification speedVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual sampling and traditional mechanical analysis procedures with an automated density measurement system. The analysis device automatically measures gas density using a density sensor, eliminating the need for manual sampling operations and traditional time-consuming analysis methods, thereby significantly reducing verification time and labor requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from traditional composition analysis to density measurement. By determining gas identity through density values rather than complex compositional analysis, the system achieves rapid verification while maintaining accuracy. The method compares measured density values against expected density ranges for different gases to identify the gas type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual sampling is performed, then gas analysis can be conducted, but safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically sampling and analyzing the gas without requiring manual intervention. The analysis device autonomously connects to the gas source, draws samples through automated sampling mechanisms, and performs density measurements, thereby eliminating safety hazards associated with manual handling of gases while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated sampling system as an intermediary between the gas source and the analysis device. This intermediary component handles the dangerous sampling process automatically, protecting operators from direct exposure to hazardous gases while enabling continuous monitoring without increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If traditional identity testing methods are used, then gas verification is possible, but the results are not tamper-proof

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the analysis device continuously monitors density values and compares them against pre-stored reference ranges. The system provides immediate feedback on whether the gas identity verification passes or fails, and maintains audit trails of all measurements and decisions, ensuring data integrity and preventing tampering while maintaining high verification accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables rapid, specific, and safe identity verification of medical or pharmaceutical gases, reducing the burden on laboratory staff, minimizing safety hazards, and allowing for immediate rejection of non-specification deliveries, with results stored in an audit-proof manner.

Implementation Method 1

in the analysis device a value corresponding to a gas density in the test quantity of the medical or pharmaceutical gas or food gas is determined by means of a density measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDensity measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3835784B1Method for checking the identity of a gas
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 LINDE AG
  • EP3835784B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A method for verifying the identity of a medical or pharmaceutical gas or food gas is proposed, in which a test quantity of the medical or pharmaceutical gas or food gas is taken from a gas volume (12) of the gas and transferred to an analysis device (20). In the analysis device (20), a density measurement is performed to determine a value corresponding to the gas density in the test quantity of the medical or pharmaceutical gas or food gas.The identity test is considered successful if the value corresponding to the gas density in the test quantity of the medical or pharmaceutical gas or food gas is determined to be within the target value, and the identity test is considered unsuccessful if the value corresponding to the gas density in the test quantity of the medical or pharmaceutical gas or food gas is not determined to be within the target value. A corresponding arrangement (100) is also part of the invention.