Indigo-Based Ozone Detection Fluorometry Chlorine Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ozone measurement methods in water samples face limitations such as bleaching chemistry, error-prone colorimetric techniques, incomplete chlorine interference mitigation, and environmental concerns with arsenite use, leading to inaccurate results and variability in ozone concentration determination.

Innovation Solution

A method using an indigo-based indicator, such as indigo carmine, in combination with an ammonium salt to measure ozone by correlating fluorescence intensity changes, which effectively mitigates free chlorine interference and provides a more accurate and environmentally friendly approach, employing a fluorometric method with pH adjustment and buffer addition to enhance measurement precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional colorimetric methods are used for ozone measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor due to error-prone techniques and incomplete chlorine interference mitigation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveozone concentration determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional colorimetric measurement methods with fluorometric detection. The indigo-based indicator exhibits fluorescence upon reaction with ozone, allowing measurement via fluorescence intensity changes rather than colorimetric analysis. This substitution significantly improves measurement precision while eliminating the errors associated with traditional colorimetric techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an indigo-based indicator as an intermediary substance that reacts specifically with ozone to produce a fluorescent signal. This intermediary enables indirect but more accurate measurement of ozone concentration, improving precision by converting the measurement into a fluorescent detection process that is less susceptible to interference and human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If bleaching chemistry methods are used, then the measurement process is straightforward, but the reliability is poor due to incomplete chlorine interference mitigation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveozone measurement accuracy in presence of chlorineVSAvoidmeasurement method implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of free chlorine interference into a beneficial selective reaction. The indigo-based indicator is designed to react specifically with ozone rather than free chlorine, effectively converting the previously problematic chlorine presence into a non-interfering condition. This selective reaction mechanism eliminates chlorine interference while maintaining ease of implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used, then the environmental impact is acceptable, but the measurement precision is poor due to variability in results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveozone concentration variabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact of reagents

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from colorimetric absorption to fluorescent emission. The indigo-based indicator produces a fluorescent signal upon reaction with ozone, allowing for more precise and variable-free measurements. This parameter change improves measurement precision while the indicator can be designed to minimize environmental impact compared to traditional reagents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for precise measurement of ozone concentrations in the range of 0 to 2.1 ppm with reduced variability and environmental impact, providing a faster and more accurate method for ozone detection in aqueous samples compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

introducing an indigo-based indicator to a sample, wherein the sample contains an amount of ozone and the introducing causes a change in fluorescence intensity of the solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250003936A1Mitigation of free chlorine interference for ozone detection using an indigo-based indicator

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 HACH

AI summary

An embodiment provides a method for measuring ozone in a sample, including: introducing an indigo-based indicator to a sample, wherein the sample contains an amount of ozone and the introducing causes a change in fluorescence intensity of the solution; introducing an ammonium salt to the sample; and measuring the amount of ozone in the sample by measuring the change in intensity of the fluorescence.