NIR Resin Analysis for Fast Inorganic Particle Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the content of inorganic solid particles in resin solutions used in wood-based panels are inefficient, requiring long waiting times, incurring high personnel and energy costs, and posing safety risks, with ashing methods being particularly problematic due to thermal explosions and distortion of measurement results.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with multivariate data analysis to predict the content of inorganic solid particles in resin solutions, allowing for rapid and accurate determination without increased safety concerns or susceptibility to errors, by comparing NIR spectra of samples with reference spectra from known particle content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ashing methods are used to determine inorganic solid particle content, then measurement results can be obtained, but long waiting times, high personnel and energy costs, and safety risks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolids content measurement accuracyVSAvoidwaiting time for measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal/chemical ashing system with an optical measurement system (NIR spectroscopy). Instead of heating samples to incinerate organic matter, the system uses near-infrared light to directly measure solids content, eliminating the time-consuming thermal process while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from thermal decomposition (ashing temperature and time) to optical absorption characteristics (NIR spectra). By measuring the interaction of near-infrared light with the resin solution, the system determines solids content instantly without physical or chemical transformation of the sample

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If ashing methods are used to determine inorganic solid particle content, then measurement results can be obtained, but high personnel and energy costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolids content measurement accuracyVSAvoidenergy cost for measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the energy-intensive thermal ashing process with a low-energy optical measurement system. NIR spectroscopy requires minimal energy compared to heating samples at high temperatures for extended periods, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a disposable or easily replaceable NIR probe/measuring device that requires no complex thermal processing equipment. This substitution of measurement technology reduces both energy consumption and operational costs associated with maintaining ashing furnaces and safety infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If ashing methods are used to determine inorganic solid particle content, then measurement results can be obtained, but safety risks from thermal explosions and measurement distortion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolids content measurement accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks from thermal explosion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal processing system with an optical measurement system, eliminating the root cause of thermal explosions. By using NIR spectroscopy instead of high-temperature ashing, the system removes the hazard of uncontrolled thermal reactions while preserving measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of thermal processing into benefit by using optical methods that are inherently safer. The NIR measurement approach transforms a dangerous thermal process into a benign optical interaction, eliminating safety risks while maintaining or improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 provides instant information on resin composition, reduces personnel and energy costs, minimizes safety risks, and ensures accurate solids content measurement, enabling a stable and efficient production process for coated wood-based panels.

Implementation Method 1

Recording at least one NIR spectrum of at least one sample of the resin solution containing solid particles using at least one NIR detector in a wavelength range between 500 nm and 2500 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-Infrared Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

Determining the content of inorganic solid particles in the resin solution in the at least one sample by comparing the NIR spectrum determined for the at least one sample with at least one NIR spectrum determined for at least one reference sample with a known content of inorganic solid particles using a multivariate data analysis (MDA)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMultivariate Data_analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP3336521B1Method for determining the content of inorganic solid particles in a resin solution
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 FLOORING TECH LTD
  • EP3336521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3336521B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3336521B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining the content of inorganic solid particles in at least one resin solution, comprising the steps: recording at least one NIR spectrum of at least one sample of the resin solution containing solid particles using at least one NIR detector in a wavelength range between 500 nm and 2500 nm, preferably between 700 nm and 2000 nm, particularly preferably between 900 nm and 1700 nm; Determining the content of inorganic solid particles in the resin solution in the at least one sample by comparing the NIR spectrum determined for the at least one sample with at least one NIR spectrum determined for at least one reference sample with a known content of inorganic solid particles using a multivariate data analysis (MDA) , wherein the at least one NIR spectrum determined for the at least one reference sample with a known content of inorganic solid particles using the same NIR detector in a wavelength range between 500 nm and 2500 nm, preferably between 700 nm and 2000 nm, particularly preferably between 900 nm and 1700 nm was previously determined.