Portable NMR Device for On-Site Insulating Liquid Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing insulating liquids in electrical apparatuses are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring periodic sampling, long shipment times, and extensive laboratory analysis, which can delay maintenance and increase the risk of equipment failure.

Innovation Solution

The use of a portable NMR device that can be fluidically coupled to electrical apparatuses, allowing for on-site, real-time analysis of insulating liquids without the need for sampling, thereby reducing cycle times and improving analysis efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If laboratorial analysis of insulating liquid samples is performed periodically, then reliable analysis of compounds in the insulating liquid can be achieved, but long cycle times (two weeks or more) are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis reliabilityVSAvoidanalysis cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical laboratory analysis system with an NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy system that can be deployed in the field. The NMR device uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to detect and identify compounds in the insulating liquid, eliminating the need for physical sample transport and lengthy laboratory processing while maintaining analytical reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an NMR device as an intermediary between the insulating liquid and the analysis process. This portable NMR system acts as a mediator that can directly analyze the liquid in situ, bridging the gap between field operations and laboratory-capable analysis without requiring sample removal or transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If samples are taken from electrical apparatuses located in remote locations, then analysis of the insulating liquid can be performed, but additional time is required for sample shipment and access protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidsampling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the insulating liquid to be analyzed in its own location without requiring removal or transport. The NMR device is brought to the electrical apparatus and performs analysis directly at the source, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on external laboratory facilities and sample transport logistics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If one or two gallons of insulating liquid are drained for sampling, then a representative sample can be obtained, but periodic top-up of the insulating liquid is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample representativenessVSAvoidinsulating liquid volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sampling process (draining, container filling, transport) with a non-invasive NMR analysis method that extracts information from the insulating liquid without removing physical material. The analysis is performed in situ using magnetic resonance, requiring no sample extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enables quicker and more reliable analysis of insulating liquids, reducing the time between sampling and receiving results from weeks to minutes, and allowing for immediate maintenance actions if issues are detected.

Implementation Method 1

NMR device which is configured to analyze the insulating liquid for one or more specific compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNuclear Magnetic Resonance:

Data Source

PatentEP4545955A1NMR system for analyzing an insulating liquid
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP4545955A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4545955A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4545955A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In an embodiment, the system (100) comprises an electrical apparatus (1) which is configured to be operated by using an insulating liquid (2). The system further comprises an NMR device (3) which is configured to analyze the insulating liquid for one or more specific compounds.