In-Situ Redox Probe with External Reference Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining oxidation-reduction potential and resistivity in formations are slow, labor-intensive, and limited in depth penetration, especially in harder geologies, due to fragile ceramic barriers and the need for borehole analysis, which hampers efficient fertilizer management and groundwater protection.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a probe with an external reference electrode and a robust oxidation-reduction electrode capable of withstanding high forces, allowing for in-situ, real-time measurements of oxidation-reduction potential and resistivity through direct push or rotary drilling, enabling faster and more precise data collection up to 60 meters depth, even in challenging formations like clayed tills with stones and boulders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ceramic barrier is used to isolate the reference electrode, then measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes fragile and unreliable under high force
Solution Approach 1:
The reference electrode is extracted from the probe structure and placed externally at the surface, eliminating the need for a fragile ceramic barrier inside the probe. This separates the measurement function (oxidation-reduction electrode in probe) from the reference function (external electrode), resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe body acts as an intermediary structure that carries only the oxidation-reduction electrode to the formation, while the reference electrode remains external. This intermediary arrangement allows the probe to withstand high forces without compromising measurement precision, as the fragile reference electrode is isolated from the high-stress environment.
2Measurement precision
If borehole analysis is used to determine redox interface, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to slow and labor intensive process
Solution Approach 1:
The manual borehole analysis process is replaced with an automated in-situ measurement system. The probe with oxidation-reduction electrode directly measures the redox interface in the formation during penetration, eliminating the need for manual sampling and laboratory analysis, thus dramatically improving productivity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-service by directly determining the redox interface during the penetration process itself, rather than requiring separate sampling and analysis operations. The oxidation-reduction electrode provides real-time measurements as the probe moves through the formation, making the system self-sufficient and highly productive.
3Length of stationary object
If a long spear is used for redox potential measurement, then measurement depth is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual pushing limitation
Solution Approach 1:
Manual pushing of a long spear is replaced with mechanical penetration systems (auger, rotary drilling, or direct push equipment). The probe is carried by these mechanical systems to the required depth, eliminating the manual insertion limitation and allowing efficient operation at depths up to 60 meters while maintaining ease of operation.
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 significantly increases surveying speed, reduces costs, and provides more accurate data on the redox interface, enabling targeted denitrification bacteria application and improved fertilizer management, while maintaining measurement precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The oxidation-reduction potential depends on the amount of oxygen present if there is no oxygen then the oxidation-reduction potential will be negative. Thus, the oxidation-reduction potential reveals the conditions for the bacteria.
Implementation Method 2
The oxidation-reduction potential is determined by determining the potential difference between a reference electrode isolated from the soil by an ion permeable ceramic barrier, and a platinum electrode in direct contact with the soil.
Implementation Method 3
a reference electrode isolated from the soil by an ion permeable ceramic barrier
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the invention is achieved by a system for determining in-situ oxidation-reduction potential in a formation having a surface separating the formation from an ambient atmosphere. The system may measure the oxidation-reduction potential in-situ, thereby the system may provide the most precise measurement of the oxidation- reduction potential. The surface of the formation may be the interface between the ambient atmosphere and the uppermost layer of the formation. In this application the surface is also referred to as the soil. The system may comprise a probe for a penetration into the formation. The probe may comprise an oxidation-reduction electrode. The system may comprise a reference electrode for placing on the surface of the formation. The system may comprise a controller, which may be configured to communicate with the probe. The controller may be configured to communicate with the reference electrode. The controller may further be configured to determine the oxidation-reduction potential as a potential difference between the reference electrode and the oxidation-reduction electrode. The controller may communicate with the probe, the oxidation-reduction electrode, the reference electrode or any other device by a wire or wireless or a combination of wire and wireless.