Hazardous Waste Sensor Device with Filtered Gas Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring internal conditions within hazardous waste containers, such as nuclear waste, are inadequate as they require opening the container for data collection, which may not be feasible due to safety concerns and potential harm from harmful gases or vapors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device equipped with a filter, sample port, and an intrinsically safe RFID communicating circuit is used to penetrate the container, allowing for remote data logging and transmission of temperature, pressure, humidity, and gas composition data without breaching the container, utilizing a HEPA-rated seal to ensure safe gas sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the container is opened to check gases or vapors, then direct observation and sampling are possible, but safety risks increase due to harmful gases or vapors
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor device with filter assembly and sample port serves as an intermediary between the hazardous container interior and the external environment. The filter assembly allows gas sampling while blocking harmful substances, enabling measurement without direct exposure. The sensor well extends into the container through the filter to detect gas composition, temperature, and pressure remotely.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If remote monitoring is implemented, then safety is improved by avoiding container opening, but measurement capability is reduced without direct access
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device employs a nested structure where the sensor well is positioned inside the housing, which contains the filter assembly. The sensor well extends through the filter assembly into the container interior, creating nested layers that progressively filter and condition the sampled gas while protecting sensors. This nested arrangement enables remote monitoring with maintained measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then real-time detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates periodically rather than continuously, with the microcontroller sampling sensors at intervals and transmitting data via RFID when triggered. The system can be activated by threshold exceedances, timer intervals, or external commands, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage for detecting changing conditions.
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 continuous, remote monitoring of hazardous waste containers, providing real-time data on internal conditions, alerting authorities of potential threats and ensuring safety by maintaining a sealed environment for gas sampling, with a battery life of up to five years and operational range of -40 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Implementation Method 1
The filter assembly includes a thermocouple sensor coupled to the RFID circuit
Implementation Method 2
The RFID circuit is configured to send a signal including the data
Data Source
AI summary
Information is obtained from a storage container that houses hazardous or potentially harmful waste. A sensor device is inserted into the container to allow a sensor using a sensor well to extend into the container. The sensor collects information on the conditions of the waste. The sensor well extends through a hole for a filter that vents gasses or vapors from the container. The sensor device also includes a housing with circuitry to perform the sensing as well as transmit and receive signals. In this manner, the sensor device transmits signals with information about the materials within the container for remote monitoring.