Opacimeter Measuring Cell with Recirculating Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Opacimeters used to measure turbidity in fluids, especially in vehicle exhaust fumes, incur high costs due to frequent cleaning needed to prevent pollution particles from contaminating the light source and sensor, which affects measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A measuring cell with a filter system that recirculates filtered fluid to create a protective 'air curtain' around the light source and sensor, reducing contamination and eliminating the need for expensive protective components like quartz disks, while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled fluid flow and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical protective elements (such as quartz disks) are used to protect the light source or light sensor, then the protection against contamination is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a stream of purified fluid (gas or liquid) to create a protective barrier around the light source and light sensor. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach replaces solid mechanical protective elements like quartz disks, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining protection against contamination particles in the examined fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The purified fluid acts as an intermediary substance between the contaminated fluid being examined and the sensitive optical components. This intermediary creates a protective interface that prevents direct contact between contaminants and the light source/sensor, eliminating the need for complex mechanical protective structures
2Reliability
If the light source or light sensor area is filled with purified fluid to prevent contamination, then the protection against contamination is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to dilution of the examined fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a purified fluid barrier only in the specific regions where the light source and light sensor are located, while maintaining the original contaminated fluid in the measurement path between the components. This localized approach protects the optical components without diluting the examined fluid in the measurement zone, thus preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring chamber is segmented into different functional zones: a protected zone around the light source and sensor filled with purified fluid, and a measurement zone containing the original contaminated fluid. This segmentation allows simultaneous protection of components and accurate measurement of the examined fluid's optical properties
3Reliability
If the inlet is positioned closer to the light source or light sensor than the outlet, then the protection against contamination is improved by creating a protective fluid barrier, but the fluid flow dynamics become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the fluid flow and adjusting the injection rate of purified fluid to maintain an optimal protective barrier. The system responds to flow conditions and contamination levels, dynamically regulating the purified fluid supply to ensure effective protection while managing flow dynamics
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
The solution significantly reduces maintenance costs by preventing contamination and maintaining measurement accuracy over a longer period, ensuring reliable turbidity readings without the need for expensive protective components.
Implementation Method 1
the filtered fluid is fed into the measuring chamber in such a way that it continuously flows from the inlet towards the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a filter device, by means of which particles that can cause contamination of the measuring chamber or other components of the measuring cell can be filtered from the fluid
Implementation Method 3
a laminar flow of purified fluid can be generated, which is directed from one end of the measuring chamber into the center of the measuring chamber and effectively prevents diffusion of the fluid to be examined
Data Source
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AI summary
The measuring cell (100) has a measuring chamber (112), in which a fluid to be examined is introduced. An outlet (138) and an inlet (140) are arranged in the vicinity of an end (116) of the measuring chamber. A pumping unit (142) is provided, by which the fluid is sucked from the measuring chamber through the outlet. A filter unit (146) is provided, by which the particles causing contamination of the measuring chamber, are filtered from the fluid extracted by the pumping unit through the outlet, to obtain a filtered fluid. The portion of the filtered fluid is fed back into the measuring chamber by the pumping unit through the inlet.