Ozone Sensor Cover Elements for Selective In-Line Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ozone measurement technologies face challenges such as high cross-sensitivity to other radical formers, short sensor lifespan, high energy consumption, and inability to perform continuous, in-line monitoring due to issues like photobleaching and aging of indicator dyes in existing sensors.
Innovation Solution
A measuring arrangement with a first ozone binder and a second ozone converter, both permeable to oxygen, which bind and convert ozone respectively, allowing for the detection of oxygen concentrations at two sensor surfaces to determine ozone levels in a medium, using conventional sensors like optical or amperometric sensors for continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If amperometric sensors with polymer membrane are used for ozone measurement, then low ozone concentrations can be measured, but cross-sensitivity to other radical formers occurs and sensor lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensing zones, each with selective permeability to different gases. The first sensor surface detects oxygen concentration, while the second sensor surface detects both oxygen and ozone concentrations, allowing differentiation through comparative measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
A polymer membrane with specific permeability characteristics acts as an intermediary between the measured medium and the sensors. The membrane allows selective passage of gases and can be functionalized with ozone-reactive substances to convert ozone to oxygen, enabling indirect ozone measurement.
2Measurement precision
If UV/Vis absorption measurement with mercury lamp is used, then very low ozone concentrations can be measured with long lifespan, but energy consumption is high and in-line measurement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement system is replaced with electrochemical amperometric sensors that convert chemical reactions directly into electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power mercury lamps while enabling compact, in-line sensor deployment.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors with indicator dye are used for fluorescence quenching, then ozone measurement is possible, but photobleaching and aging prevent continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a polymer membrane that can be replaced periodically rather than requiring the entire sensor to be disposable. The membrane acts as a consumable component that protects the expensive sensor electronics while having a limited service life due to ozone reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct optical detection with dye that photobleaches to indirect electrochemical detection where ozone is converted to oxygen, which is then detected by stable amperometric sensors. This parameter change in the measurement approach eliminates photobleaching issues.
4Productivity
If metal oxide resistance sensors are used, then ozone concentrations can be measured, but selectivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sensor system have different functional properties. The polymer membrane has specific permeability characteristics that allow selective transport of gases to the sensing surfaces, while the second sensing zone contains ozone-reactive substances that convert ozone to oxygen, creating local functional differentiation for improved selectivity.
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 solution enables continuous, selective, and permanent ozone monitoring in-line, reducing reactive ozone exposure to sensors and extending their lifespan by preventing irreversible reactions and aging processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first cover element arranged above the first sensor surface and comprising an ozone binder, namely a substance which binds ozone without releasing oxygen or any species further reacting to form oxygen
Implementation Method 2
a second cover element arranged above the second sensor surface and comprising an ozone converter, namely a substance that reacts with ozone to form oxygen
Implementation Method 3
a measuring sensor designed to generate a first measurement signal dependent on the oxygen concentration present at the first sensor surface and a second measurement signal dependent on the oxygen concentration present at the second sensor surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a measuring arrangement for measuring an ozone content in a measured medium, including: a first sensor surface and a second sensor surface; a first cover element adjacent the first sensor surface and including an ozone binder that binds ozone without releasing oxygen or any species further reacting to form oxygen; a second cover element adjacent the second sensor surface and including an ozone converter that reacts with ozone to form oxygen; a measuring sensor configured to generate a first measurement signal dependent on the oxygen concentration at the first sensor surface and a second measurement signal dependent on the oxygen concentration at the second sensor surface; and an electronic evaluation unit configured to determine the ozone content in the measured medium based on the first and the second measurement signals.