Reusable Inorganic Passive Sampler for Simultaneous NO2 SO2 O3 Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial passive samplers for NO2, SO2, and O3 are costly, disposable, and require multiple samplers for simultaneous measurements, limiting their use in multiple-point sampling and increasing environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A single, reusable passive sampler with semicircular metal filters coated with specific solutions for NO2 and SO2, and a separate semicircle for O3, allowing simultaneous sampling and reusability after cleaning, featuring a stainless steel metal filter with a 50-100 mesh size and a fixing apparatus for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate passive samplers are used for NO2, SO2, and O3 measurements, then each pollutant can be sampled specifically, but the cost increases and environmental impact worsens due to disposable nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate passive samplers for NO2, SO2, and O3 into a single integrated device. The sampler contains three different sorbent materials (activated charcoal for NO2, sodium hydroxide-impregnated silica gel for SO2, and potassium iodide-impregnated silica gel for O3) within one housing, allowing simultaneous sampling of all three pollutants without requiring three separate disposable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The single passive sampler is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating different sorbent materials that can each capture specific pollutants. The device universally samples NO2, SO2, and O3 simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple specialized samplers while reducing waste and cost.
2Ease of operation
If disposable passive samplers are used, then sampling simplicity is maintained, but reusability is lost and costs increase for multiple-point sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the passive sampler after sampling. The sorbent materials can be regenerated through heating or chemical treatment, allowing the same sampler to be used for multiple sampling campaigns at different locations, thereby maintaining simplicity while adding reusability for multi-point studies.
3Measurement precision
If separate samplers are used for each pollutant, then specific detection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate sampling devices into one integrated sampler containing three distinct sorbent materials. Each sorbent is specifically designed to capture a particular pollutant (activated charcoal for NO2, sodium hydroxide-impregnated silica gel for SO2, and potassium iodide-impregnated silica gel for O3), maintaining pollutant-specific detection while reducing the number of devices from three to one.
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 cost-effective, simultaneous determination of NO2, SO2, and O3 concentrations at multiple points with reduced environmental impact by using a single sampler that can be reused, improving sampling efficiency and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
absorbent materials coated with chemicals specific to the components are used as the retaining means
Implementation Method 2
Passive samplers are pieces of equipment which are capable of collecting gas samples from the atmosphere at a rate controlled by molecular diffusion
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an inorganic passive sampler (1) which can be used for the simultaneous sampling of airborne nitrogen dioxide (N02), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) pollutants in different environments (indoor, outdoor) and simultaneous determination of personal exposure to the mentioned polluting components.