Nitrogen Analyzer Automatic Dilution Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nitrogen analysis methods using chemiluminescence with ozone face challenges in accuracy due to varying nitrogen concentrations, requiring manual dilution procedures that are prone to human error and result in environmental burden, especially when analyzing fuel-related specimens.

Innovation Solution

A nitrogen analyzer with an automatic syringe for precise specimen dilution to a specific concentration range (5-100 ppm) using a calibration curve that correlates chemiluminescence peak area with nitrogen weight, maintaining constant production efficiency and reducing human error and environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual dilution procedures are used to prepare specimens for nitrogen analysis, then the concentration can be adjusted to the appropriate range, but human error increases and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenitrogen concentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidconsistency of dilution procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical dilution operations with an automatic syringe system that is electronically controlled. The syringe is driven by a motor to automatically draw specimens and solvents, and to inject precise volumes into the reaction tube, eliminating human error in dilution procedures and ensuring consistent, reproducible results.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automated control where the controller automatically manages the syringe operations, timing, and coordination of multiple components based on pre-programmed sequences. The apparatus autonomously executes the dilution and analysis process without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving reliability and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If specimens are diluted to appropriate concentration ranges, then measurement accuracy improves, but the procedure complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenitrogen concentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime for dilution preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous automated operation where the syringe system continuously performs dilution steps without interruption. The controller coordinates the continuous flow of specimen aspiration, solvent addition, mixing, and injection in a seamless sequence, eliminating the time loss associated with manual preparation steps and maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manual operations are performed for specimen preparation, then dilution can be achieved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecimen concentration adjustment capabilityVSAvoidease of specimen preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated system. The syringe serves multiple purposes: drawing specimens, drawing solvents, mixing solutions, and injecting into the reaction tube. The controller universalizes the operation by managing all these diverse functions through a single interface, making the system adaptable to different specimen types while maintaining ease of operation.

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 high-accuracy nitrogen concentration measurement across varying specimens with reduced human error and environmental burden by using an automatic dilution process and accurate calibration curves.

Implementation Method 1

heating and burning the specimen in the reaction tube to convert nitrogen in the specimen into nitrogen monoxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

measure a chemiluminescence intensity based on a reaction between the nitrogen monoxide in the specimen gas and ozone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemiluminescence: Chemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3141895B1Nitrogen analysis device
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL ANALYTECH CO LTD
  • EP3141895B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3141895B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3141895B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a nitrogen analyzing method for quantitative analysis of nitrogen in a specimen by a chemiluminescence method using ozone which is capable of measuring a concentration of nitrogen contained in the specimen with still higher accuracy, as well as a nitrogen analyzer used for practicing the analyzing method. Also, according to the present invention, there is provided a nitrogen analyzing method and a nitrogen analyzer which have a less adverse influence on human body and are also capable of further reducing environmental burden even when analyzing nitrogen in fuel-related specimens. The nitrogen analyzing method according to the present invention comprises the steps of burning a specimen comprising a nitrogen compound to generate a specimen gas, allowing the resulting specimen gas to react with ozone to measure a chemiluminescence intensity thereof, and quantitatively determining a concentration of nitrogen in the specimen based on a previously prepared calibration curve expressing a relationship between the chemiluminescence intensity and a weight of nitrogen, wherein the calibration curve is previously prepared from a standard specimen having a nitrogen concentration of 5 to 100 ppm, and the specimen is used in the form of a diluted specimen prepared by diluting the specimen with a solvent into a nitrogen concentration of 5 to 100 ppm.