Near-Infrared Hydrocarbon Detection in Water
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring hydrocarbon contamination in water are time-consuming and unable to accurately detect trace amounts, as they require solvent or membrane extraction and lack the sensitivity to measure concentrations below 1% using existing infrared spectrometers.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with a specific wavelength range (5700 cm^-1 to 6300 cm^-1) to analyze hydrocarbon contamination directly in water samples, increasing path length to 5 mm to enhance sensitivity and detectability of trace hydrocarbons, while maintaining water transparency in this region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solvent or membrane extraction is used to measure hydrocarbon contamination, then the measurement can be performed with existing infrared spectrometers, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary spectral information from the complex infrared spectrum by focusing on specific wavelength ranges where hydrocarbon absorption occurs. This selective extraction of spectral data eliminates the need for time-consuming solvent or membrane extraction steps, allowing direct measurement of hydrocarbon contamination in water samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary selection of optimal wavelength ranges (5700-6300 cm^-1) and path lengths (5 mm) before actual measurement. This preliminary optimization of measurement parameters enables direct analysis without requiring preliminary extraction steps, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining detection sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If existing infrared spectrometers are used with standard path lengths, then the apparatus is simple to operate, but the sensitivity is insufficient to detect trace amounts of hydrocarbon below 1%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key measurement parameters: extending the optical path length to 5 mm and selecting specific wavelength ranges (5700-6300 cm^-1) where hydrocarbon absorbance is maximized relative to water. These parameter changes enhance sensitivity for trace hydrocarbon detection below 1% without requiring complex instrument modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system with specific path length and wavelength selection that mediates between the infrared source and detector. This intermediary configuration amplifies the weak absorption signals from trace hydrocarbons while filtering out water interference, achieving high sensitivity without increasing overall device complexity
3Measurement precision
If the infrared path length is increased to enhance sensitivity, then trace hydrocarbon detection improves, but water absorbance increases and reduces water transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific wavelength regions (5700-6300 cm^-1) where the optical properties are locally optimized: hydrocarbon absorbance is high while water absorbance is relatively low. This local spectral region selection allows increased path length (5 mm) to enhance hydrocarbon sensitivity without proportionally increasing water interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of water absorbance into a benefit by operating in a spectral region where water absorbance characteristics can be mathematically distinguished from hydrocarbon absorbance. The increased path length that amplifies both water and hydrocarbon signals allows for better signal-to-noise ratio, with the hydrocarbon signal extracted through selective wavelength analysis
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 approach allows for the measurement of hydrocarbon contamination down to 5 ppm or less, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by exploiting a region with a high ratio of hydrocarbon to water absorbance, providing greater sensitivity and accuracy for trace amounts.
Implementation Method 1
employing a light source, a sample cell and a detector to perform near-infrared (NIR) analysis
Implementation Method 2
determine light loss through the sample cell in the range between about 5700 cm-1 and about 6300 cm-1
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method for performing infrared analysis for measuring hydrocarbon contamination in water includes providing light from a light source; directing light from the light source through an experimental water sample; detecting the light transmitted from the experimental water sample; and determining a level of hydrocarbon contamination in the experimental water sample based on the light loss in the range between about 5700 cm1 and 6300 cm1. An apparatus for performing infrared analysis for measuring hydrocarbon contamination in wafer includes a controller operative to determine light loss through the sample cell and to determine a level of hydrocarbon contamination in the experimental wafer sample based on the light loss in the range between about 5700 cm1 and 6300 cm1.