Optical Total Suspended Solids Measurement in Jet Fuel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining total suspended solids in aviation jet fuel, such as gravimetric and optical methods, are time-consuming, require large sample volumes, and lack accuracy due to reliance on arbitrary density assumptions, leading to significant errors in measuring the weight per unit volume of solids.
Innovation Solution
An optical method using a laser particle counter that illuminates the hydrocarbon liquid sample with a light source, detects scattered light, and applies a correction factor based on gravimetric measurements to accurately determine the total suspended solids content, allowing for smaller sample volumes and faster analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gravimetric method is used to determine total suspended solids, then measurement accuracy is improved, but analysis time increases significantly and large sample volumes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gravimetric filtration system with an optical detection system using light scattering. Instead of physically filtering and weighing particles, the system uses a light source and photodetector to measure scattered light intensity, which correlates to particle concentration. This substitution dramatically reduces analysis time while maintaining measurement accuracy through proper calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mass-based (gravimetric) to optical property-based (light scattering intensity). By measuring the intensity of light scattered by suspended particles and correlating it to particle concentration through calibration, the system achieves rapid analysis without the time-consuming filtration and weighing steps of traditional gravimetric methods.
2Measurement precision
If gravimetric method is used to determine total suspended solids, then measurement accuracy is improved, but sample volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system replaces the mechanical filtration system that requires large sample volumes. The light scattering measurement can be performed on small sample volumes (e.g., 1-10 mL) because it detects particles directly in suspension without needing to process large volumes through filtration and evaporation to concentrate sufficient particulate matter for accurate measurement.
3Loss of time
If prior art optical method is used to estimate total suspended solids, then analysis time is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to arbitrary density assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a calibration process where the optical measurement system is calibrated against known standards or reference measurements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to establish a reliable correlation between light scattering intensity and particle concentration, eliminating the need for arbitrary density assumptions and achieving accurate quantitative measurements comparable to gravimetric methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent improves upon the prior art optical method by changing from using arbitrary density values for conversion to using empirically determined calibration factors. The calibration process establishes a direct relationship between optical signal and particle concentration specific to the measurement conditions, providing accurate quantitative results without relying on incorrect assumptions about particle density.
4Ease of operation
If specialized metallic container is used for fuel sample collection, then sample collection is enabled, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive specialized metallic containers with standard, inexpensive sample containers. The optical measurement system is designed to work with常规 sample containers that are already in use in the aviation industry, eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy through proper optical path design and calibration.
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
This method significantly reduces analysis time, maintains accuracy comparable to industry standards, and eliminates the need for expensive equipment and large sample volumes, providing reliable on-site measurements of total suspended solids in aviation fuels.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating the solid particles with a light source, detecting light scattered by solid particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for the quantitative determination of total suspended solid particles in a liquid. The method includes providing a liquid sample that includes solids suspended therein, illuminating the solids with a light source, collecting light scattered by the solids and correlating the light scattered by the solids with a total solids content.