Polyurethane Liner for In-line Flow Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-line measuring devices with polyurethane liners for fluid flow measurement in pipelines face challenges in meeting high chemical, biological, and hygienic requirements, particularly in drinking water applications, due to potential leaching of toxic catalysts and reaction by-products into the fluid.
Innovation Solution
The development of an in-line measuring device with a polyurethane liner and primer, where the liner and primer are composed of polyurethane suitable for drinking water applications, using a catalyst containing metal-organic compounds that are bonded chemically or physically to carbon chains, reducing leaching and ensuring physiological safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional polyurethane liners are used in measuring tubes, then manufacturing costs are reduced and mechanical stability is improved, but toxic catalysts and reaction by-products may leach into the fluid, failing chemical and biological safety requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful catalysts and toxic reaction by-products are extracted/removed from the polyurethane liner system. The patent achieves this by using a two-component polyurethane system that cures without requiring toxic catalysts, and by controlling the reaction to minimize harmful by-products, thereby eliminating the leaching issue while maintaining liner functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polyurethane formulation by using specific isocyanate and polyol combinations that react without toxic catalysts. The molecular structure and composition parameters are optimized to ensure chemical inertness and biological safety while maintaining mechanical properties
2Strength
If polyurethane liners are used to provide mechanical stability and electrical insulation, then the measuring device can function properly, but the liners may not meet high hygienic requirements for drinking water applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material approach by combining specifically selected polyurethane components (isocyanate and polyol) that together provide both mechanical strength and hygienic safety. The composite formulation ensures that the liner meets both structural requirements and drinking water contact specifications
3Productivity
If conventional catalysts are used in polyurethane production, then the liner can be manufactured efficiently, but the catalysts may leach into the fluid and cause toxic contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the catalyst component entirely from the polyurethane formulation. By using a two-component system that cures through spontaneous chemical reaction between isocyanate and polyol groups, the need for catalysts is eliminated, stopping the source of toxic contamination at its origin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful catalyzed reaction into a beneficial uncatalyzed reaction. The heat of reaction and curing characteristics are optimized to provide efficient manufacturing without catalysts, turning a harmful process into a safe one
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
The solution provides an in-line measuring device with improved biological and bacteriological properties, suitable for diverse applications including drinking water, while minimizing contamination risks and reducing manufacturing costs by using polyurethanes with metal-organic catalysts that are intrinsically safe and resistant to leaching.
Implementation Method 1
using a catalyst containing metal-organic compounds that are bonded chemically or physically to carbon chains
Data Source
AI summary
The measuring tube of an in-line measuring device is formed by means of a support tube and a liner internally lining the support tube. The liner adheres to the support tube, with interposition of a mediating primer. Both the primer and the liner are composed, at least in part, of polyurethane. Especially, both the polyurethane of the liner and also the polyurethane of the primer are suitable for drinking water applications, so that the in-line measuring device itself is also suited for measuring drinking water.