Biodegradable Polymer Degradation Rate Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining the degradation rate and biodegradability of biodegradable polymers in soil suffer from complex structures, high costs, and poor accuracy, particularly due to the accumulation of organic substances in closed environments, which affects the reliability of biodegradation assessments.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a micro compressed air pump, CO2 absorption vessels, a CO2 indicator vessel, a hollow leaching device, and mechanical stirring, which simulates natural soil conditions to measure CO2 release and leachate collection, allowing for precise evaluation of biodegradability and degradation rate through a connected pipeline system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed environment is used for measuring biodegradation, then the measurement can be controlled, but the released small-molecule organic substances accumulate and saturate, significantly influencing the subsequent determination of biodegradability and degradation rate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the measurement system into multiple independent absorption vessels (first CO2 absorption vessel, second CO2 absorption vessel, third CO2 absorption vessel) connected in sequence through a pipeline. Each vessel contains fresh absorbent solution, preventing accumulation and saturation of organic substances in a single closed environment while maintaining controlled measurement conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces CO2 absorption vessels with alkali solutions as intermediary substances to capture released small-molecule organic substances. The absorbent solutions act as mediators between the biodegradation process and measurement, converting accumulated organic substances into measurable CO2 absorption data without direct accumulation in the measurement chamber
2Measurement precision
If existing devices are used for determining degradation rate, then measurement can be performed, but the structure is complex and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into modular components: hollow leaching device, multiple CO2 absorption vessels, mechanical stirring device, and water distributor. Each module performs a specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining measurement precision through systematic division of functions
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the hollow leaching device serves as both reaction chamber and filtration system (with inverted cone filter zone), the CO2 absorption vessels simultaneously absorb and quantify released substances, and the mechanical stirring device ensures uniform mixing while preventing clogging. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Ease of operation
If weight loss is used as an indicator for biodegradation rate, then the measurement is readily measurable, but it does not capture the complete degradation process in soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical weight measurement with a chemical absorption and detection system. Instead of measuring weight loss directly, the system uses CO2 absorption vessels to capture and quantify released small-molecule organic substances through chemical reactions, providing a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of the complete degradation process while maintaining ease of operation through simple volumetric and concentration measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining degradation rate of biodegradable polymers in soil, including a micro compressed air pump, a first CO2 absorption vessel filled with dry soda lime or an aqueous strong alkali solution, a CO2 indicator vessel filled with a barium hydroxide solution, a hollow leaching device, a second CO2 absorption vessel and a third CO2 absorption vessel connected in sequence through connecting pipes. A top of the hollow leaching device is provided with an end cover. An external water distributor filled with a leaching solution and a mechanical stirring device is arranged above the end cover. The external water distributor is in communication with an inner cavity of the hollow leaching device through a pipeline. A stirring shaft of the mechanical stirring device extends into the inner cavity. A stirring shaft is provided with a stirring paddle.