Optical Sensor Interface for Fluorometer Downtime Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measuring devices, such as fluorometers, require costly modifications and significant downtime to provide optical access for monitoring the concentration of substances in fluid solutions, which is a challenge in industrial applications like cleaning and antimicrobial operations, water treatment, and chemical processing.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical sensor system that uses a single optical lens for both emitting and receiving light, integrated with a controller and pump system, allowing for continuous or intermittent analysis of fluid samples, and capable of determining concentration by measuring fluorescent emissions, thereby simplifying installation and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing fluorometers are used to monitor concentration, then measurement capability is provided, but costly modifications and significant downtime are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical interface assembly that acts as an intermediary between the fluorometer and the process fluid. This assembly includes an optical window that provides optical access to the fluid without requiring modification to the fluorometer itself or the process piping, thereby enabling concentration monitoring while minimizing installation downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the fluorometer, the optical interface assembly, and the process fluid system. This segmentation allows the optical interface assembly to be independently installed and removed without affecting the fluorometer or requiring shutdown of the entire process system, reducing installation downtime
2Measurement precision
If existing fluorometers are used to monitor concentration, then measurement capability is provided, but costly modifications to the system are required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interface assembly serves as a cost-effective intermediary that provides the necessary optical access without requiring expensive modifications to the fluorometer or process piping. The assembly includes standard components such as an optical window, mounting bracket, and sealing elements that can be manufactured and installed at lower cost
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interface assembly is designed to be universally applicable to various fluorometer models and process piping configurations. The mounting bracket and sealing elements are configured to accommodate different pipe sizes and fluorometer types, reducing the need for custom-made components and lowering overall installation cost
3Measurement precision
If optical access is provided through existing systems, then concentration monitoring is enabled, but significant system modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interface assembly provides a simple intermediary solution that requires minimal system modification. It attaches to existing process piping using standard fittings and provides optical access through an optical window, avoiding the need to modify the fluorometer or redesign the process system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the fluorometer or process piping to provide optical access, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the optical access point to the fluorometer through a removable optical interface assembly. This allows the fluorometer to remain unchanged while still enabling fluorescence measurement
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 efficient and cost-effective monitoring of fluid characteristics, ensuring proper concentration of chemical solutions in real-time, reducing downtime and operational costs while maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the optical detector is positioned and configured to detect light received from the fluid sample at a second wavelength different than the emitted light wavelength
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical sensor can include first and second optical emitters configured to emit light into a fluid sample via an optical pathway. Light from the emitters can cause fluorescence from the sample and/or scatter off of the sample. Scattered and fluoresced light can be received by an optical detector in the sensor via the optical pathway, and used to determine at least one characteristic of the fluid sample. A second optical detector can provide reference measurements of the amount of light emitted to the sample. The second optical emitter and second optical detector can be included in an optical emitter assembly removably disposed in the optical pathway of the optical sensor such that the second optical emitter emits light into the optical pathway toward a fluid sample.