Optical Concentration Monitoring With Temperature-Compensated Spectra
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the concentration of chemical compounds in fluids, such as those used in geosciences, are limited by temperature variations, require manual analysis, and have restricted measurement ranges, leading to time-consuming and inaccurate results, especially for high concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A method using an optical measurement system and temperature sensor to construct intermediate models of absorbance vs. concentration at varying temperatures, allowing real-time monitoring without dilution, and expanding the measurement range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Beer-Lambert's law is used for concentration measurement at a given wavelength, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to saturation phenomenon at high concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-wavelength measurement to multi-wavelength spectral measurement. Instead of measuring absorbance at one wavelength, the system captures the entire absorption spectrum across multiple wavelengths, adding dimensional information that enables accurate concentration measurement even at high concentrations where single-wavelength methods fail due to saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from single-wavelength absorbance to multi-wavelength spectral characteristics. By analyzing how absorbance varies across different wavelengths and using temperature-compensated spectral models, the system maintains measurement precision across a wide concentration range without suffering from saturation effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If temperature variations are present in the fluid, then real-world applicability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature dependence of absorption spectra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing as feedback to the measurement system. The temperature sensor continuously monitors fluid temperature, and this information is used to select or adjust the appropriate spectral model for concentration calculation, compensating for temperature-induced spectral shifts and maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of absorption spectra at multiple predefined temperatures during the calibration phase. These pre-acquired spectral data at different temperatures are used to build temperature-compensated models, allowing the system to predict and correct for temperature effects during actual measurements without requiring real-time temperature control.
3Measurement precision
If manual analysis with fraction collectors is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis methods (fraction collectors, manual sampling) with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses UV-Vis spectrometry with automated data processing to determine concentrations, eliminating the need for manual sample collection and analysis while maintaining or improving accuracy through multi-wavelength spectral analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous online measurement of concentration in flowing fluids, replacing discontinuous batch analysis. The optical measurement system continuously monitors the fluid stream, providing real-time concentration data without interrupting the flow or requiring sample collection, thereby dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining measurement quality.
4Device complexity
If single-wavelength measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited measurement range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional measurement system that can handle various concentration ranges, temperatures, and fluid conditions using a single optical measurement platform. The UV-Vis spectrometer with programmable wavelength scanning and temperature compensation capabilities provides universal applicability across different measurement scenarios, replacing multiple specialized single-wavelength instruments.
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 accurate, real-time monitoring of chemical compound concentrations over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations, overcoming limitations of traditional methods by providing precise and dynamic measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a) by means at least of said optical measurement system and said temperature sensor, an absorbance as a function of wavelength and a temperature are measured in said measurement zone respectively for a succession of time steps
Implementation Method 2
b) for each of said absorption spectra of said second plurality of absorption spectra, a second absorbance value is determined at the intersection between said curve and said absorption spectrum
Implementation Method 3
Some are based on Beer-Lambert's law. Beer-Lambert's law is an empirical relationship that states that, at a given wavelength λ, the absorbance Aλ The absorption of a solution is proportional to the concentration c of the absorbing species
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3~4a
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the time evolution of the concentration of a chemical compound in a fluid, using an optical measurement system and a temperature sensor. For each predefined temperature within a plurality of predefined temperatures, an intermediate model (MTc1, MTc5) of the absorbance evolution as a function of concentration is constructed by means of linear regression and from absorption spectra measurements performed on a plurality of fluid samples at distinct concentrations of the chemical compound. From the slopes and y-intercepts of each intermediate model (MTc1, MTc5), a model of the absorbance evolution as a function of concentration and temperature is determined by linear regression.Then we determine a time evolution of a concentration of the chemical compound using the model thus determined and from a measurement of an absorption spectrum and a temperature.