Multi-Wavelength Detector for Automated Titration Endpoint Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated titration systems face challenges in accurately determining the endpoint of chemical reactions and require significant time, making it impractical for continuous monitoring, especially in processes needing frequent analysis.

Innovation Solution

An automated titration system with a reaction manifold, sample and titrant pumps, and a multi-wavelength detector, controlled by a controller to manage flow rates and detect endpoints, allowing for continuous and efficient analysis of multiple analytes with improved sensitivity and dynamic range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated titration systems are used to determine reaction endpoints, then operator intervention is reduced, but the system requires a large amount of time to complete the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of titrationVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual detection of titration endpoints with an automated optical detection system that uses light absorption measurements at multiple wavelengths to detect color changes and determine endpoints automatically, eliminating the need for operator intervention while reducing analysis time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic measurement cycles where the detector takes spectral readings at multiple wavelengths during the titration process, allowing automated endpoint detection through systematic data collection and analysis at regular intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If automated titration systems are used, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but accurate detection of titration endpoints becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidendpoint detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-wavelength or visual endpoint detection to multi-wavelength spectral detection, adding the dimension of wavelength analysis to improve endpoint detection accuracy. By measuring absorbance at multiple wavelengths simultaneously, the system can more precisely identify titration endpoints even in continuous monitoring mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses real-time spectral data feedback from the detector to automatically adjust and determine titration endpoints. The controller continuously monitors the spectral measurements and uses this feedback to identify endpoint conditions, maintaining accuracy in continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multi-wavelength detection is used to detect titration endpoints, then detection sensitivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-wavelength detector that serves multiple functions: it detects color changes at various wavelengths, identifies different titration endpoints, and provides spectral information for analysis. This single device performs what would otherwise require multiple separate detection systems, improving sensitivity while managing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 and accurate detection of titration endpoints across a wide range of concentrations, reducing analysis time and improving the ability to monitor processes continuously without the need for constant operator intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a multi-wavelength detector for detecting a first titration endpoint of the reaction between the analyte and the first titrant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS11454619B2Methods for colorimetric endpoint detection and multiple analyte titration systems

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

Systems for quantifying one or more target analyte concentrations in a process solution are provided and can be used, for example, in methods for quantifying a target analyte concentration. These systems and methods include continuous and batchwise automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution using a multiwavelength detector. The methods provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes and can include methods that analyze more than one analyte and that provide for a dynamic range for measurement of more than one target analyte concentration.