Inline Measuring Device Calibration via Portable Reference Instrument

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Solution Overview

Problem

In-line measuring instruments face challenges in maintaining high measurement accuracy over time due to cross-sensitivity and aging, requiring frequent verification, calibration, and adjustment, which is often time-consuming and costly, especially when samples need to be transported to a laboratory for reference measurements.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method allowing for wireless communication between the measuring instrument and a portable, high-accuracy reference measuring instrument, using a smart device to perform verification, calibration, and adjustment at the measurement site without removing the instrument, reducing the need for continuous operation of multiple instruments and minimizing sample transportation issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If in-line measuring instruments are used for continuous measurement, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates over time due to cross-sensitivity and aging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where reference measurements are periodically taken and used to calculate compensation values that are applied to correct the in-line measuring instrument's readings. This closed-loop feedback ensures measurement precision is maintained over time despite aging and cross-sensitivity issues, while the in-line instrument continues to provide continuous monitoring for productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If frequent verification and calibration are performed to maintain measurement precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtime for verification and calibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A portable reference measuring instrument is introduced as an intermediary device that can be brought to the measurement location. This eliminates the need to transport samples to a laboratory or remove the in-line instrument for calibration. The reference instrument performs verification and calibration in-situ, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service calibration where the in-line measuring instrument can be verified and calibrated using the portable reference instrument at the measurement location. This self-calibration capability eliminates the need for external laboratory services and minimizes downtime, allowing the instrument to maintain accuracy while continuing operational measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If samples are transported to laboratory for reference measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and logistical requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference measurement accuracyVSAvoidlogistical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of transporting samples to a laboratory for reference measurements, the approach is inverted by bringing the reference measuring instrument to the sample location. This reversal eliminates complex logistics including sample transport, storage, and handling, while maintaining high measurement precision through the reference instrument's accurate measurements at the measurement point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Measurement precision

If multiple instruments are operated continuously for verification and calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and operational cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification and calibration accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by performing reference measurements at scheduled intervals rather than continuously operating multiple instruments simultaneously. The portable reference instrument is deployed periodically to verify and calibrate the in-line instrument, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision through regular verification cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11187673B2Device and method for verification, calibration and/or adjustment of an inline measuring device

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 ENDRESS HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH CO KG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus the for verification, calibration, and/or adjustment of a measuring instrument. The apparatus includes the measuring instrument, a reference measuring instrument, and a smart device. The apparatus performs a measuring operation in which the measuring instrument determines a value of a variable of the medium and the reference instrument determines a reference value of the variable from a sample of the medium. The measuring instrument communicates wirelessly and performs the verification, calibration, and/or adjustment on the basis of the measured value and the associated reference value. The reference measuring instrument is portable and communicates wirelessly with the smart device and the measuring instrument. An application executed on the smart device controls a data transfer between the measuring instrument, the reference measuring device, and/or the device that is required for executing the verification, calibration, and/or adjustment.