Laser-Induced Fluorescence Blend Replica Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and replicating liquid blends with unknown ratios require reference samples and calibration curves, which are cumbersome and inefficient, especially when dealing with contaminated or blended hydrocarbon fuels.
Innovation Solution
A trial-and-error method using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy to match the fluorescence spectrum of a formed blend with that of an original target blend by repeatedly dispensing and measuring liquid ingredients, allowing for the creation of a replica blend without pre-known ratios and calibration curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference samples and calibration curves are used to identify liquid blends, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a spectral fingerprint copy of the target liquid blend by measuring its laser-induced fluorescence spectrum. This spectral copy serves as a reference that can be directly compared with unknown samples, eliminating the need for physical reference samples and calibration curves. The spectral fingerprint contains all necessary identification information in a simplified form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical process of preparing physical reference samples and calibration curves with an optical measurement process. By using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, the system substitutes complex sample preparation procedures with direct spectral measurement and comparison, significantly simplifying the identification process.
2Measurement precision
If reference samples and calibration curves are used to identify liquid blends, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary spectral measurement of the target liquid blend to create a spectral fingerprint before actual identification tasks. This pre-acquired spectral data serves as a ready-to-use reference, eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration curve preparation whenever identification is needed. The spectral fingerprint is stored and can be rapidly compared with unknown samples.
3Measurement precision
If standard blends with pre-known concentrations are prepared for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical standard blends with spectral fingerprints as references. Instead of preparing multiple standard blends with different known concentrations for calibration, the system uses the spectral characteristics of the target blend itself as the reference. This spectral copying approach maintains concentration measurement accuracy while dramatically increasing analysis throughput by eliminating repetitive standard preparation.
4Measurement precision
If multiple reference samples are prepared for spectral comparison, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential identification information from multiple reference samples by creating a single spectral fingerprint of the target liquid blend. This extracted spectral signature contains the unique characteristics needed for accurate contaminant identification, eliminating the need to handle and compare multiple physical reference samples. The extraction process simplifies the operation while maintaining precision.
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 quick determination of blend ratios and production of replica blends for further analysis, eliminating the need for separate standard solutions and calibration curves, while allowing for the building of fluorescence intensity versus concentration curves.
Implementation Method 1
Laser-induced Fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy is a sensitive investigative tool for gases, liquids, and solids
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods for determining and replicate unknown ratios of original target liquid blends, such as hydrocarbon fuel blends or contaminants, by using an in-process fluorescence-monitored procedure. The methods rely on trial-and-error mixing of the fuel ingredients into a single container. At the end of the trial-and-error procedure, the formed blend becomes an exact replica of the target fuel blend. The methods can also be used to build calibration curves without employing sets of previously prepared standard solutions.