Portable sensor validation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for validating in-line sensors in food wash systems lack precision and are too slow, failing to ensure that validated processes meet FDA requirements due to inadequate calibration approaches that do not account for environmental and flow-related factors.
Innovation Solution
A food wash sensor system that includes a sensor along a fluid flow path, a reference fluid reservoir with a predetermined analyte concentration, and a delivery system to circulate the reference fluid through the flow path, allowing for continuous calibration and validation of the sensor over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If colorimetric procedures using portable meters are used, then quantitative data is generated and control is improved, but precision is insufficient and monitoring speed is too slow to meet FDA validation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual colorimetric testing procedures with automated in-line optical sensors that continuously monitor wash fluid composition. The sensor system automatically detects analyte concentrations and transmits data to a controller, eliminating the need for manual sampling and visual color comparison, thereby achieving both high precision and rapid continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by positioning the sensor directly in the wash fluid flow path, allowing uninterrupted real-time measurement of analyte concentrations. This continuous action provides ongoing validation data at high speed, meeting FDA requirements for process monitoring while maintaining measurement precision
2Ease of manufacture
If a sensor is moved to an external reference fluid for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the effects of flow and local depletion of analyte are ignored and sensor response changes due to geometry and environment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sensor to perform self-calibration by introducing a reference fluid with known analyte concentration directly through the fluid flow path at the sensor location. The sensor automatically compares its readings against the known reference concentration and adjusts its calibration factors without requiring removal or repositioning, thereby maintaining both calibration simplicity and measurement precision under actual flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calibration by introducing reference fluid with predetermined known concentrations upstream of the sensor before actual monitoring begins. This preliminary calibration action establishes accurate baseline measurements under the same flow and environmental conditions that will exist during operation, ensuring subsequent measurement precision while keeping the calibration process simple
3Measurement precision
If a sample is removed from a stream for reference method analysis, then calibration can be performed, but the sample stream consistency cannot be guaranteed due to time and space differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts a small portion of the wash fluid stream through a sampling port and introduces it into the sensor flow path for calibration. This extracted sample is immediately analyzed by the sensor in-situ without requiring complex external laboratory equipment, achieving accurate calibration while keeping the system relatively simple by using only the inline sensor and basic fluid handling components
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 provides precise and timely validation of sensor readings, ensuring accurate monitoring and control of wash fluid composition, thereby meeting regulatory standards and maintaining food safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor disposed along a fluid flow path operable to detect a concentration of an analyte in the wash fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A food wash reference fluid delivery apparatus includes a portable reference fluid reservoir comprising an inlet and an outlet and configured to store a reference fluid that includes a predetermined concentration of an analyte, a pump fluidly coupled to the outlet of the portable reference fluid reservoir and configured to pump the reference fluid from the outlet of the portable reference fluid reservoir, a sensor connector configured to fluidly couple with a sensor positioned along a fluid flow path of the food wash system, a sensor fluid line configured to provide the reference fluid from the pump to the sensor connector, an inlet fluid line configured to provide the reference fluid from the pump to the inlet of the portable reference fluid reservoir, and a valve configured to adjustably control a fluid flow rate of the reference fluid through the sensor fluid line and the inlet fluid line.