Inline NMR Referencing With External Sample for Stable Spectra
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional NMR spectroscopy systems are large, expensive, and unsuitable for industrial production lines due to challenges in accurate frequency referencing, contamination risks from reference compounds, and fluctuations in magnetic fields, which complicate measurements and reduce accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A production line NMR measurement system using an external reference sample and a permanent magnet to generate a uniform magnetic field, with RF coils for excitation and detection, and a processor to process signals, providing a stable reference peak for accurate NMR spectra analysis without contaminating the fluid stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference compounds are introduced into production line samples for frequency referencing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but product contamination and property alteration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the NMR measurement into two separate channels: one for the production sample and one for the reference compound. The reference compound is contained in a separate capillary tube positioned within the NMR probe's sensing region, allowing independent measurement of the reference signal without mixing with the product stream. This segmentation enables accurate frequency referencing while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a physical barrier (capillary tube wall) as an intermediary between the reference compound and the production sample. This intermediary allows the reference compound to be present in the measurement region while preventing direct contact with the product, thus enabling frequency referencing without contamination.
2Loss of information
If traditional NMR spectrometers are used for production line measurements, then detailed structural information is obtained, but system size and cost increase making integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential NMR measurement capability from the complex traditional spectrometer system. By using a permanent magnet instead of a large superconducting magnet and simplifying the probe design for inline operation, the system retains the core NMR functionality while dramatically reducing size and complexity for production line integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a permanent magnet that can be replaced or recalibrated if needed, and uses a simple probe design that prioritizes robustness and ease of integration over maximum measurement capability. This approach trades some measurement sophistication for significantly reduced system complexity and cost.
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 rapid, non-invasive, and reliable NMR measurements in industrial settings, maintaining measurement accuracy despite environmental variations, and allowing real-time process monitoring and quality control without disrupting production.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a reference sample including a known reference material and a sample of the fluid within a sensing region of an NMR measurement unit coil of a production line NMR measurement device, and within a magnetic field of a permanent magnet of the production line NMR measurement device
Implementation Method 2
performing an NMR measurement by feeding at least one radio frequency coil of the production line NMR measurement device with a signal having a spectrum that includes one or more characteristic frequencies of one or more nucleus of the one or more evaluated materials and a characteristic frequency of the known reference material, generating detection signals indicative of sensed radio frequency emissions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for production line nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement of a fluid containing one or more evaluated materials. The method includes positioning a reference sample with a known reference material and a sample of the fluid within a sensing region of an NMR measurement unit coil and a magnetic field of a permanent magnet. An NMR measurement is performed by feeding at least one radio frequency coil with a signal having a spectrum including characteristic frequencies of the evaluated materials and the reference material, generating detection signals. The detection signals are processed to provide an NMR spectrum with a reference peak and additional peaks. The signal is adjusted based on changes over time of the reference peak frequency, and a band pass frequency range of a receiving unit is adjusted based on the reference peak frequency.