Radon Reference Solution Preparation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating radon measurement devices lack a stable and matrix-matched reference solution due to radon's short half-life, leading to inaccurate measurements and uncertainty in indoor air pollution and subsurface water analysis.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a gas component detector, gas vessel, and reference solution preparation vessel connected through pipelines with valves to form loops, allowing for the preparation of a radon reference solution by measuring and equilibrating radon concentrations, ensuring matrix matching with the target substance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If radon is used as a reference substance for calibration, then matrix matching with target objects is achieved, but long-term stability is lost due to radon's short half-life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares a reference solution containing radon and other gaseous substances in advance, allowing the radon to decay into its progenies before use. This preliminary preparation enables the reference solution to maintain matrix matching properties while accommodating the short half-life constraint through pre-equilibration of the radon-progeny system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and compositional parameters by dissolving radon gas in a liquid matrix (water or other solvents) to create a reference solution. This parameter change allows the radon to be stabilized in a form that maintains matrix matching while its short half-life is managed through the solution-based reference system.
2Measurement precision
If a reference solution is prepared using radon, then calibration accuracy is improved, but measurement uncertainty increases due to the short half-life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring and adjusting the radon concentration in the reference solution. The system accounts for radon decay by measuring the actual radon and progeny concentrations and using this feedback to calculate accurate calibration factors, thereby maintaining calibration accuracy while managing measurement uncertainty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing other gaseous substances into the reference solution alongside radon. These intermediary substances help stabilize the reference solution matrix and provide additional calibration points that compensate for the uncertainty introduced by radon's short half-life.
3Reliability
If radon reference solution is prepared, then calibration is enabled, but device complexity increases due to the need for loop configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration system into distinct functional modules: a reference solution preparation unit, a measurement unit, and a calculation unit. Each module has a specific function, and the loop configuration is divided into separate pathways (first loop for radon measurement, second loop for progeny measurement), making the complex system more manageable and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the apparatus so that the same reference solution preparation system can be used for multiple calibration purposes. The loop configuration allows the system to measure both radon and its progenies, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate calibration apparatuses and thereby manages device complexity.
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 the simple and precise preparation of a radon reference solution, securing matrix matching conditions for accurate calibration of measuring devices, thereby improving the reliability of radon measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a gas component detector having two ports and configured to measure a concentration of a predetermined gaseous substance
Implementation Method 2
radon has a higher solubility in water than other inert gas. Therefore, subsurface water serving as a carrier of radon released from rock or fissure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of preparing a reference solution of a gaseous substance necessary for calibration of various measuring instruments used in measurement of the gaseous substance, such as radon (Rn-220) or a volatile substance, contained in seawater, subsurface water, surface water or the like. An apparatus of preparing a reference solution according to the present invention includes a gas component detector having two ports and configured to measure a concentration of a predetermined gaseous substance; a gas vessel having two ports and configured to accommodate the predetermined gaseous substance; a reference solution preparation vessel having two ports and configured to accommodate a predetermined liquid substance; pipe lines connecting the ports of the gas component detector, the gas vessel and the reference solution preparation vessel; and valves installed on the pipe lines.