Optical Measuring System for Oil-in-Water Content

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining oil-in-water content using fluorescence are costly due to the need for high-speed spectrometers to measure spectral distribution and decay time, leading to measurement errors when oil composition changes.

Innovation Solution

An optical measuring system comprising a light source, a first photodiode to capture the decay curve of fluorescence, and an optical component to capture spectral information, with a data processing unit using calibration models to determine oil-in-water content, allowing for cost-effective measurement using LED, flash lamp, or laser light sources and photodiodes with filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a very fast spectrometer is used to measure spectral distribution and decay time of fluorescent light, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement task into two separate detection channels: one for spectral distribution (using a standard spectrometer) and another for decay time (using a photodiode with fast response). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for a single complex high-speed spectrometer while achieving comprehensive fluorescence characterization for accurate oil-in-water content measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a very fast spectrometer is used to measure spectral distribution and decay time of fluorescent light, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement task into two separate detection channels: one for spectral distribution (using a standard spectrometer) and another for decay time (using a photodiode with fast response). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for a single complex high-speed spectrometer while achieving comprehensive fluorescence characterization for accurate oil-in-water content measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the expensive high-speed spectrometer with a combination of a standard spectrometer and a relatively inexpensive photodiode. The photodiode serves as a cost-effective alternative for decay time measurement, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement precision through the complementary use of both detection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If only total intensity of fluorescent light is measured, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates when oil composition changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement task into two separate detection channels: one for spectral distribution (using a standard spectrometer) and another for decay time (using a photodiode with fast response). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for a single complex high-speed spectrometer while achieving comprehensive fluorescence characterization for accurate oil-in-water content measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent goes beyond measuring only total intensity by additionally measuring spectral distribution and decay time characteristics. This partial or excessive action captures more fluorescence properties, enabling the system to distinguish between different oil compositions and maintain high measurement precision across varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 and cost-effective determination of oil-in-water content by leveraging spectral distribution, decay time, and excitation wavelength information, while considering additional parameters like temperature and turbidity, without requiring high-resolution spectrometers.

Implementation Method 1

the excitation light is converted into fluorescent light by the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a first photodiode that receives a decay curve of the fluorescence light and converts it into a first signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11249024B2Optical measuring system and method comprising the same

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 ENDRESS HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH CO KG

AI summary

The present disclosure includes an optical measuring system having at least one light source that radiates excitation light into a medium to be measured. The excitation light is converted into fluorescent light by the medium. The optical measuring system also includes a first photodiode that receives a decay curve of the fluorescent light and converts it into a first signal and at least one optical component that receives the fluorescent light and converts it into a second signal. A data processing unit determines an oil-in-water content based on the first signal and the second signal.