In-line pH Probe for Closed-Loop Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sampling processes for hazardous or valuable materials, such as radioactive Thallium, are inefficient and risky due to manual intervention, leading to fluid loss, contamination, and exposure, as they require manual calibration and testing that disrupts the production process and involves destructive testing.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop fluid sampling system with an in-line probe that allows continuous monitoring and adjustment of fluid characteristics without manual intervention, incorporating a conduit system with a pump for fluid circulation, calibration, and additive sources, enabling non-destructive testing and reducing exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pH testing and calibration is performed, then pH measurement can be achieved, but fluid loss and operator exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
A closed-loop conduit system acts as an intermediary between the fluid container and the pH probe, allowing the probe to remain isolated within the sealed system while still measuring pH. The conduit provides a controlled pathway for fluid circulation and probe placement without requiring direct manual access to the fluid container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-contained pH measurement and calibration operations where the probe can be calibrated using buffer solutions circulated through the closed-loop system without requiring manual removal or external handling. The system performs its own measurement and calibration functions internally.
2Measurement precision
If manual pH testing is performed, then pH measurement can be achieved, but operator exposure to hazardous materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop conduit system serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the operator and hazardous fluid materials. The pH probe operates within this sealed intermediary system, eliminating the need for operators to directly handle or expose themselves to hazardous substances during measurement and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all pH measurement and calibration operations autonomously within the closed-loop conduit, requiring no manual intervention or operator contact with hazardous materials. The system serves itself by circulating fluids and performing measurements without human exposure.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration and testing procedures are used, then pH measurement can be performed, but process disruption and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop conduit system enables continuous pH monitoring and calibration operations without interrupting the main fluid processing workflow. Fluid circulation through the conduit and probe measurements occur continuously, eliminating the need to stop the process for manual testing and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously performs calibration and measurement operations without requiring operator intervention, automatically circulating fluids through the probe and adjusting pH as needed. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming manual steps of probe handling, calibration, and documentation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.