Remote Contaminant Monitoring via Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability to remotely and continuously monitor contaminant levels in fluid flows, particularly liquid aerosol contaminants, leading to inadequate detection and potential damage to equipment due to insufficient filtration and separation, and reliance on inaccurate sampling methods.
Innovation Solution
A remote contaminant monitoring system that includes a probe for isokinetically sampling fluid from pipelines, an analyzer with a light source to illuminate and detect scattered light from contaminants, and a processor to convert the signal into digital data for real-time monitoring and notification via a communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sampling methods are used to monitor contaminants, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inaccurate sampling and delayed analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling and manual analysis systems with an optical monitoring system that uses light scattering detection. The analyzer uses a light source and detector to continuously measure contaminant levels in real-time, eliminating the need for physical sampling containers, transport, and manual laboratory analysis. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with optical detection achieves both high measurement precision and continuous monitoring capability.
2Reliability
If continuous remote monitoring is implemented, then reliability and response time improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed to be self-contained and autonomous. The probe takes samples from the fluid stream, the analyzer automatically measures contaminant levels using light scattering, and the processor continuously monitors and compares readings against predetermined thresholds. The system self-regulates and provides automatic alerts without requiring external intervention, sampling infrastructure, or manual analysis, thereby achieving high reliability without excessive complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If filtration and separation equipment is selected without contaminant knowledge, then initial system setup is simplified, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to inadequate contaminant removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring of contaminant levels in the fluid stream before filtration equipment is selected or installed. By continuously measuring and identifying the types and concentrations of contaminants present, the system provides data that guides the selection of appropriate filtration and separation equipment. This preliminary action ensures that the right filtration equipment is chosen based on actual contaminant characteristics, thereby maintaining both ease of setup and high productivity.
4Measurement precision
If samples are transported to third-party laboratories, then measurement precision may be maintained, but loss of time and loss of substance increase due to sample degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an on-site optical analyzer as an intermediary between the fluid stream and contaminant detection. Instead of transporting samples to external laboratories, the analyzer acts as an intermediate device that performs continuous, real-time contaminant measurement directly at the monitoring location. This intermediary system eliminates transport time, prevents sample degradation, and provides immediate feedback while maintaining measurement precision through automated optical detection.
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
Enables continuous, remote monitoring of contaminant levels, providing immediate alerts and ensuring optimal filtration and separation equipment selection, thereby preventing equipment damage and reducing operational costs by maintaining accurate contaminant control.
Implementation Method 1
an analyzer that can receive a sampled fluid from the probe, illuminate the sampled fluid with a light source, and collect scattered light from contaminant particles in the illuminated sampled fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of monitoring contaminant particles in pipelines. The system can include a probe for extending into a pipeline, and sampling fluid in the pipeline to ensure that a representative amount of contaminants within the pipeline can subsequently be measured. An analyzer receives the sampled fluid from the probe, illuminates the sampled fluid with a light source, and collects scattered light from any contaminant particles in the illuminated sampled fluid. A detector receives the scattered light from the analyzer, and converts the scattered light into an electrical signal that is proportional to the contaminant particles size. A processor receives the electrical signal from the detector, converts the electrical signal into digital data pertaining to the contaminant particles, and transmits the digital data on an Ethernet connection, or wireless signal to a communication network for distribution to at least one digital data processor for display and evaluation.