Multi-Membrane CO2 and H2S Detection System for Aquaculture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 and H2S detection systems in aquaculture are slow, prone to inaccuracies, and suffer from cross-sample contamination, with CO2 sensors often overheating and experiencing condensation issues that affect measurement reliability and speed.
Innovation Solution
A membrane block system with multiple permeable membrane units and a closed gas loop, using hydrophobic membranes and a breather valve arrangement to rapidly isolate and detect CO2 and H2S, allowing for rapid stabilization and accurate measurement of gas concentrations without interference from previous samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single membrane and closed loop gas flow system is used for CO2 detection, then the system can continuously monitor CO2 levels, but the measurement speed is slow (15-20 minutes per measurement) and the sensor requires long stabilization time (10 minutes) between measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single membrane into multiple membranes (first membrane and second membrane) arranged in series. This segmentation allows the gas loop to be divided into corresponding sections, enabling faster equilibration of CO2 across multiple membrane interfaces simultaneously, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-membrane configuration that adds spatial dimensionality to the gas transfer process. By arranging membranes in series with intermediate gas flow paths, the system creates multiple parallel gas transfer pathways, effectively increasing the surface area and reducing the time required for CO2 equilibration without compromising measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If CO2 probes are installed in single locations for continuous monitoring, then the system provides ongoing data, but it cannot detect variable CO2 levels in different locations and suffers from cross-sample contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal detection system with multiple membranes that can handle multiple samples simultaneously. Each membrane-unit combination can process a different sample, allowing the system to be deployed across multiple locations while maintaining a unified detection platform. This eliminates cross-contamination between samples and enables versatile multi-location monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a carrier gas as an intermediary medium that transports CO2 from multiple sample streams through separate membrane interfaces into a common detection chamber. This intermediary gas flow prevents direct mixing of samples while enabling simultaneous detection, thus avoiding cross-contamination and allowing multi-location monitoring with a single instrument
3Reliability
If intensive biological activity causes significant pH drops, then the carbonate buffer system drives left producing toxic free CO2, but single-location probes cannot detect these spatial variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into multiple independent membrane units that can be distributed across different locations in the aquaculture system. Each segment can detect local CO2 variations caused by intensive biological activity, providing comprehensive spatial coverage and accurate detection of toxic CO2 levels in different zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary detection of CO2 buildup in multiple locations simultaneously through the multi-membrane configuration. By having multiple membranes ready and operational, the system can detect early signs of toxic CO2 accumulation across different zones before conditions become critical, allowing proactive management of the carbonate buffer system
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 fast, reliable, and accurate determination of CO2 and H2S levels in aqueous samples, reducing measurement time and preventing cross-sample contamination, while protecting sensors from condensation and overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a first permeable membrane element and a second permeable membrane element... passing the gaseous CO2 and/or H2S contained in the sample flow through first and second permeable membrane element
Implementation Method 2
using hydrophobic membranes
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulphide sampling and detection system and method for determination of the content of gaseous CO2 and/or H2S in a liquid, among other chemical compounds. In one embodiment, the detection system includes a membrane block having a liquid sample inlet port and a sample outlet port between which a sample flow path extends. The membrane block includes a first membrane unit and a second membrane unit. The first membrane unit includes a sample flow on the first side of a first permeable membrane element, and a carrier gas flow on the second side of the first permeable membrane element. The second membrane unit having a sample flow on the first side of a second permeable membrane element and a carrier gas flow on the second side of the second permeable membrane element.