Potentiometric Sensor Sealed Reference Half-Cell Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Potentiometric sensors used in single-use containers for biological and pharmaceutical processes face issues with measurement accuracy due to the risk of reference electrolyte drying out during long storage periods, leading to a permanent failure of the reference half-cell.
Innovation Solution
A potentiometric sensor design with a housing that includes a sealed reference half-cell space and a measuring half-cell space, where the reference half-cell space is initially completely sealed and only connects with the environment through a passageway that can be sealed to prevent drying, allowing for an electrolytic contact to be established only when needed, ensuring the inner electrolytes remain stable during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the reference half cell space is sealed to prevent drying out during storage, then the storage stability is improved, but the electrolytic contact with the environment cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The reference half cell space is pre-sealed before storage to prevent drying out, and the sealing is removed or breached only when the sensor is ready for use, allowing electrolytic contact to be established at the appropriate time
2Reliability
If the reference electrolyte is in contact with the environment through a bridge, then electrolytic contact is maintained, but the reference electrolyte dries out during long storage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The reference half cell space is pre-sealed to maintain electrolyte integrity during storage, and the connection to the environment is established only when needed for measurement operations
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is installed before sterilization in a single-use container, then the installation process is simplified, but the reference electrolyte may be contaminated or dried out during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-installed in the container before sterilization, and the reference half cell space is pre-sealed to protect the electrolyte during the subsequent storage and sterilization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization process that could potentially harm the electrolyte is converted into a benefit by sealing the reference half cell space, allowing the container to be sterilized along with the sensor without compromising the electrolyte
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 design allows for long-term storage without compromising measurement quality, ensuring accurate monitoring of physical or chemical variables in single-use containers by maintaining the integrity of the reference electrolyte and preventing drying out, thus extending the sensor's usability over several years.
Implementation Method 1
at least one part of a first potential sensing electrode immersed in the reference electrolyte for sensing a reference potential
Implementation Method 2
at least one part of a second potential sensing electrode immersed in the inner electrolyte for sensing a measuring half cell potential
Implementation Method 3
the measuring half cell space is liquid-tightly sealed by a measuring membrane, especially a pH-sensitive glass membrane
Implementation Method 4
a passageway extends through a wall of the housing, opens into the reference half cell space, and is, at least at times, sealed relative to a medium surrounding the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A potentiometric sensor includes a housing, in which a reference half cell space and a separated, measuring half cell space are formed. The reference half cell space contains a reference electrolyte and at least one part of a first potential sensing electrode for sensing a reference potential, and the measuring half cell space is liquid-tightly sealed by a measuring membrane, and contains an inner electrolyte and at least one part of a second potential sensing electrode for sensing a measuring half cell potential. A passageway extends through a wall of the housing, and opens into the reference half cell space, and is sealed relative to a medium surrounding the housing. The potentiometric sensor has a way for producing through the passageway an electrolytic contact between the reference electrolyte and the medium surrounding the housing.