Measuring Probe Window Sealing for Optical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring probes used for photometric or spectrophotometric analysis in containers face difficulties in cleaning the measuring window, which becomes soiled or misted due to particles and process materials, making it challenging to maintain accurate measurements without disrupting the production process.
Innovation Solution
The measuring window is arranged in the circumferential wall of the housing with a sealing cap that covers the opening when retracted, allowing for easy cleaning without removing the probe, and a flushing device is provided for thorough cleaning, ensuring the window remains sealed and operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the measuring window is arranged at the extreme front end of the measuring probe for axial measurement, then the measurement can be performed directly in the product space, but the measuring window becomes quickly soiled or covered with particles and cannot be cleaned without removing the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring window is moved from the axial front end to the circumferential wall of the housing, changing the measurement direction from axial to radial. This dimensional change allows the window to be positioned in a location that is accessible for cleaning while still enabling measurement within the product space when the probe is inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into functional zones: the front end for insertion into the product space, the circumferential wall for housing the measuring window, and the rear end for connection. This segmentation allows the measuring window to be isolated in a specific zone that facilitates cleaning operations without affecting other parts of the probe.
2Productivity
If the measuring probe remains inside the container for continuous measurement, then the production process is not disrupted, but the measuring window cannot be cleaned without removing the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be retracted to a cleaning position where the measuring window becomes accessible. This dynamic movement enables the system to switch between measurement mode (probe inserted) and cleaning mode (probe retracted), maintaining both continuous measurement capability and cleaning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing cap is introduced as an intermediary element that seals the opening when the probe is retracted. This allows the probe to be pulled out for cleaning while maintaining the seal of the container, enabling cleaning operations without disrupting the production process or requiring container opening.
3Measurement precision
If the measuring window is exposed to the product space for measurement, then accurate analysis can be performed, but particles and process materials quickly soil or mist the window
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring window is extracted from the front end position that is directly exposed to the product space. By positioning it in the circumferential wall, the window is taken out of the primary contamination zone while still allowing optical measurement when the probe is inserted into the container.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing cap with sealing elements is used to cover and protect the measuring window when the probe is retracted. This flexible sealing mechanism protects the window from particles and process materials while allowing the probe to move between measurement and cleaning positions.
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 configuration enables the measuring window to be cleaned without disrupting the production process, maintaining measurement accuracy and extending the probe's operational life by preventing soiling and misting, while also allowing for various analysis methods and calibrations to be performed during operation.
Implementation Method 1
Light consequently radiates in the axial direction, in the direction of the probe. There, light is reflected at particles, for example, and light that is not absorbed is reflected back to the measuring probe.
Implementation Method 2
light that is not absorbed is reflected back
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the electromagnetic spectrum or optical analysis of a material. The apparatus comprising a measuring probe having a housing with at least one radiation or light measuring element, a measuring window and with at least one detection element for the analysis. The measuring probe is formed and guided displaceably in the axial direction in such a way that at least part of the housing in which the measuring window is located enters through an opening in which the material to be analyzed is located for the analysis. The at least one measuring window is arranged in at least one subregion of the circumferential wall of the housing. A sealing cap is located between a front end face of the housing and the measuring window arranged in the circumferential wall and consequently covers the opening in a retracted position of the measuring probe.