Movable Optical Measuring Head for Process-Integrated Flow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process-integrated optical analysis systems for flowable media require complex and time-consuming calibration and zero-point alignment procedures, which involve replacing the process medium with a reference medium, disrupting production and requiring extensive cleaning steps.
Innovation Solution
A system with a processing unit and an analytical unit that includes a flow-through cell with a movable measuring head and reference unit, allowing for selective positioning and decoupling of measurement and reference operations without medium interruption, enabling easier cleaning and calibration without production halt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the process medium is replaced with a reference medium for calibration and zero-point alignment, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the production process is interrupted and cleaning steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the optical measurement path into two separate segments: a process measurement path for continuous production monitoring and a reference measurement path for calibration. The measuring head can be selectively positioned to access either path, allowing calibration operations to occur independently without interrupting the production flow through the process path.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable measuring head acts as an intermediary component that can be repositioned between the process measurement position and the reference measurement position. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to perform calibration functions without requiring physical access to or disruption of the process medium flow.
2Productivity
If the measuring head is positioned in the flow-through cell for process measurement, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but reference measurement and zero-point alignment cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring head is designed with movable positioning capability, allowing it to dynamically switch between two fixed positions: one for process measurement in the flow-through cell and another for reference measurement. This dynamic repositioning enables the system to adapt between continuous monitoring mode and calibration mode as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring head serves multiple functions by being able to access both the process measurement path and the reference measurement path. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform both continuous process monitoring and periodic calibration operations without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If the flow-through cell is integrated into the plant for chemical inertness, then media compatibility is improved, but optical access for measurement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the flow-through cell (process integration component) from the optical measuring device. The flow-through cell can be made of chemically inert materials and integrated into the plant piping, while the optical measuring head remains a separate, movable component that accesses the measurement path through optical windows, simplifying both chemical compatibility and optical integration.
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
Facilitates efficient, time-saving reference measurements and zero-point alignments within a closed, inert system, eliminating the need for production interruptions and simplifying cleaning processes, while maintaining chemical inertness and optical transparency for accurate analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an optical measuring head for irradiation of the medium and for receiving measuring radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for process-integrated optical analysis of flowable media, comprising a processing system for processing a flowable medium and an analytical system for analysis of the flowable medium, wherein the analytical system includes an optical measuring head, for irradiation of the medium and for receiving measuring radiation, and a reference unit. The processing system includes a measuring region, into which the medium can be introduced during the processing and which is accessible for measurement by means of the measuring head. According to the invention, a mechanism for achieving defined positions of the measuring head relative to the measuring region and/or relative to a reference unit is included, which selectively enables a measurement of the medium located in the measuring region or of the reference unit.