Optical Probe for Real-Time Fluorophore Detection in Aqueous Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing organic matter in aqueous media, such as in water purification and wastewater treatment, are limited by the need for time-consuming laboratory analyses and the inability to detect multiple fluorophores simultaneously, which hinders efficient optimization of purification processes and increases energy and reagent usage.
Innovation Solution
An optical probe with multiple UV/visible light sources and band-pass filters allows for in situ, real-time detection of various fluorophores, enabling the characterization of different families of organic molecules and determining parameters like COD, BOD, and DOC with high sensitivity and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate measuring devices are used to detect different fluorophores, then the number of detectable fluorophores increases, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple excitation light sources (different wavelengths) and multiple emission filters into a single integrated probe device. The probe includes a housing containing multiple LEDs for excitation at different wavelengths, multiple bandpass filters for different emission wavelengths, and a single detector that can detect emissions across multiple wavelengths by sequentially filtering them. This merging of multiple measurement capabilities into one device allows detection of multiple fluorophores (proteins, humic substances, fulvic substances) without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a universal measuring device that can detect multiple types of fluorophores through a single device. By incorporating multiple excitation sources covering different UV/visible wavelengths and multiple emission filters, the probe can identify and quantify different families of organic molecules (proteins, humic substances, fulvic substances) that have different fluorescence characteristics. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining the ability to detect diverse fluorophores.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate measuring devices are used to detect different fluorophores, then the number of detectable fluorophores increases, but the time required for measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe enables continuous real-time measurement of multiple fluorophores in situ. The control unit sequentially activates different excitation LEDs and corresponding emission filters to measure fluorescence emissions from multiple fluorophore families simultaneously in the same water sample. This continuous measurement capability eliminates the need to take separate samples for different analyses and perform them sequentially in the laboratory, providing uninterrupted monitoring of water quality parameters including organic matter characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe performs preliminary on-site characterization of organic matter by detecting multiple fluorophores directly in the water sample before laboratory analysis. By measuring fluorescence emissions from proteins, humic substances, and fulvic substances in situ, the probe provides preliminary data that can guide subsequent laboratory analysis priorities and reduce the need for extensive follow-up testing, thereby saving overall analysis time.
3Measurement precision
If classical laboratory analytical methods are used, then accurate determination of organic matter parameters is achieved, but the analysis time increases from tens of minutes to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The probe replaces mechanical/laboratory-based analytical methods with optical fluorescence detection. Instead of using classical laboratory methods like COD (chemical oxygen demand), BOD5 (5-day biochemical oxygen demand), or TOC (total organic carbon) analysis that require complex chemical reactions and long incubation periods, the probe uses fluorescence spectroscopy to directly detect and characterize organic matter based on its natural fluorescence properties. This substitution provides rapid results (seconds to minutes) while maintaining accuracy by detecting specific fluorophore families that correlate with organic matter composition.
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 probe enables efficient, real-time characterization of organic matter in aqueous environments, optimizing purification processes while reducing energy and reagent use, and providing comprehensive data on organic matter composition.
Implementation Method 1
a set of n UV/visible light sources at different wavelengths... associated with first selection means, a set of m different first bandpass filters... associated with second selection means arranged to receive fluorescence emissions emitted by said at least one fluorophore present in the aqueous medium in response to light excitation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical probe for characterizing in situ and in real time the nature and concentration of fluorophores present in an aqueous medium. The probe comprises: - An assembly (2) of at least two different UV/visible light emission sources (20, 21, 2n) arranged to direct light into the aqueous medium, said sources being associated with first selection means (3); - An assembly (4) of at least two different first bandpass filters (40, 41, 4n), associated with second selection means (5) arranged to receive fluorescence emissions emitted by the fluorophores present in the aqueous medium; - A detector (6) of filtered fluorescence emissions transmitted by the assembly of first filters (40, 41, 4n); and - A central unit (7) designed to control the first and second selection means and to determine the concentration of the fluorophores.