Automated Photometric Water Analysis for Continuous Multi-Parameter Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water quality testing methods for aquatic systems, such as swimming pools, are often inaccurate, time-consuming, and require multiple systems to test multiple parameters, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated chemical measurement system utilizing a photometric analyzer, reagent injection manifold, and recirculation pump to continuously test multiple water quality parameters, including a pH and ORP probe, with thermal stabilization mechanisms for reagents, and a colorimeter for precise analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pool management kits are used for water quality testing, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the results are unreliable and inaccurate due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs water quality testing automatically without requiring user intervention in the measurement process. The automated colorimeter mixes reagents with water samples, performs spectral analysis, and generates results independently, eliminating user error while maintaining simplicity. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the entire testing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (dropping test strips, visual comparison) with an automated optical measurement system. The colorimeter uses spectrophotometric analysis to objectively measure water quality parameters, substituting subjective human judgment with precise instrumental measurement.
2Measurement precision
If electronic probes are used for water quality testing, then measurement capability is enhanced, but the system becomes expensive and requires frequent calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable reagent cartridges instead of expensive, fragile electronic probes. Each cartridge contains pre-measured reagents for specific water quality parameters, eliminating the need for costly sensor calibration and replacement. The low-cost consumable approach replaces high-cost durable equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from complex electronic probes and transfers it to simple optical measurement combined with chemical reagents. The measurement capability is separated into two components: the durable colorimeter instrument and the disposable reagent cartridges, allowing the complex sensing function to be replaced with simpler components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate testing systems are used to test multiple water quality parameters, then comprehensive testing is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated colorimeter is designed as a universal testing system capable of measuring multiple water quality parameters (pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, free chlorine, total chlorine) through a single instrument. Different reagent cartridges enable the same device to perform various tests, eliminating the need for multiple specialized testing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple testing functions into one integrated system. The automated colorimeter merges sample handling, reagent addition, mixing, spectral analysis, and result generation into a single unified device, replacing what would traditionally require several separate testing kits and procedures.
4Productivity
If manual water quality testing is performed, then equipment cost is low, but time consumption and lack of continuous monitoring capability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous water quality monitoring by automatically performing sequential tests without manual intervention between samples. The automated colorimeter can continuously draw samples, add reagents, measure, and output results, maintaining uninterrupted testing operation. This continuous action dramatically increases productivity compared to discrete manual testing.
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
Provides accurate, continuous, and cost-effective water quality analysis, reducing the need for multiple testing systems and minimizing chemical usage in agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
a photometric analyzer, wherein the photometric analyzer is provided in the form of a spectrometer or a colorimeter
Implementation Method 2
a recirculation pump that at least provides the sample water from the photometric analyzer to the reagent injection manifold
Implementation Method 3
A first solenoid valve is designed to control the flow of the sample of water into the system and a second solenoid valve is designed to control the flow of the sample of water out of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing the water quality of a water sample is provided. The system includes an inlet designed to deliver the water sample to a photometric analyzer, a chemical reagent system downstream of the inlet and upstream of the photometric analyzer, and a controller. The chemical reagent system is designed to inject one or more reagents into the water sample. The photometric analyzer comprises a vial designed to contain the water sample, at least one light source designed to emit light toward a first side of the vial, and at least one light detector designed to detect the emitted light on a second side of the vial. The controller is configured to adjust a dosage of the one or more reagents injected into the water sample, receive data from the at least one light detector, and analyze the water quality of the water sample based on the received data.