Modular Pump and Filter Cartridge for Ultra-Trace Liquid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for monitoring and analyzing liquid environments, such as groundwater, struggle with detecting ultra-low concentrations of chemical and biological contaminants effectively, often requiring multicompartment reservoirs and being less efficient in field-deployable sampling devices for long-term, parallel sampling.
Innovation Solution
A system with a modular monitoring assembly featuring a pump and filter cartridges that operate to separate and concentrate chemical and biological constituents from large-volume aqueous samples into low-volume extraction media, eliminating the need for a multicompartment reservoir and enabling efficient, integrated field sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a multicompartment reservoir is used for collection of groundwater between the water intake zone and a pump, then the device can collect and store large volumes of water samples, but the device complexity and the requirement for multiple compartments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water collection function from a complex multicompartment reservoir system and concentrates it into a single integrated reservoir. The pump directly draws water from this simplified reservoir, eliminating the need for multiple compartments while maintaining the ability to collect and process large volumes of water samples for contaminant analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water collection and storage functions into a single reservoir structure that integrates the intake zone and pump operation. This consolidation combines multiple previously separate functions (intake, storage, pumping) into one unified system, reducing device complexity while preserving sampling capacity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sampling devices are used for detecting ultra-low concentrations of contaminants, then the detection limits are insufficient, but increasing the sensitivity requires more complex preconcentration systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary preconcentration of contaminants by passing water samples through a non-aqueous collection matrix that selectively concentrates target analytes before analysis. This preliminary action of concentrating contaminants from large water volumes enables ultra-sensitive detection without requiring complex downstream preconcentration equipment, as the concentration step is integrated into the sampling process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-aqueous collection matrix as an intermediary substance between the water sample and the detection system. This matrix mediates the concentration process by selectively binding and concentrating target contaminants from large volumes of water, enabling sensitive detection while keeping the overall system relatively simple, as the matrix performs the preconcentration function chemically rather than mechanically.
3Productivity
If field-deployable sampling devices are designed for long-term parallel sampling, then the sampling capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sampling system into modular components including the reservoir, pump, non-aqueous collection matrix cartridge, and waste water conduit, all operably linked in sequence. This segmentation allows for parallel sampling operations while maintaining field deployability, as each module can be independently configured and replaced. The multicompartment reservoir is eliminated in favor of this modular segmented approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sampling device with universal components that can handle multiple sampling scenarios. The pump system with its integrated reservoir and collection matrix cartridge can perform various sampling functions (continuous sampling, discrete sampling, concentration) using the same basic architecture, reducing operational complexity while enabling long-term parallel sampling capabilities.
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 solution allows for ultra-sensitive detection of contaminants at hitherto unattainable low method detection limits, facilitating effective environmental monitoring, hazardous waste remediation tracking, and risk assessment without the need for complex reservoir systems.
Implementation Method 1
each filter cartridge contains material for extracting an analyte
Implementation Method 2
concentrate in a time-integrated fashion, ultra-low concentrations of dissolved and particulate materials present in liquid media
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring assembly (201) with an intake (213) has at least one pump (210) featuring at least one pump channel mounted in the monitoring assembly (201). A plurality of fluid lines are coupled to the at least one pump (210). At least one filter cartridge (315) is also mounted in the assembly. Each filter cartridge (315) is separately coupled by one of the plurality of fluid lines to one of the pump channels, where each filter cartridge (315) contains material for extracting an analyte, and where the at least one pump operates to separately push fluid through the at least one filter cartridge (315). The filter cartridge (315) operates to separate fluid into constituent parts.