Reversible Color-Changing Polymer Water Level Gauge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining water ingress into storage tanks, such as using a water level gauge with gel, are messy, unreliable, and prone to operator error, leading to inaccurate water level measurements and potential oil degradation.
Innovation Solution
A novel water level gauge featuring a tape measure coated with a reversible color-changing polymer composition that changes color upon contact with water, eliminating the need for external gels and providing a clear, accurate indication of water levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a water level gauge with external gel is used, then water level detection is possible, but the method is messy and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water-sensitive indicator and the tape measure into a single integrated device. The polymer composition is directly applied to the tape measure, eliminating the need for separate gel application and reducing operational errors. This integration ensures that the indicator is always in the correct position and eliminates messy external gel handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer composition on the tape measure automatically changes color when it contacts water, providing self-indicating functionality. The device serves itself by having the indicator material inherently responsive to water presence without requiring external activation or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If external gel is applied to the tape measure, then water contact indication is achieved, but operator error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer composition is pre-applied to the tape measure during manufacturing, so that when the operator uses the device, the indicator is already in place and ready to function. This preliminary preparation eliminates the step where operators must manually apply gel, which is where errors occur.
3Measurement precision
If a reversible color-changing composition is used, then accurate water level indication is provided, but the composition must be applied to the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the color-changing parameter of the polymer composition in response to water contact. By selecting polymers that undergo visible color transitions at specific water exposure conditions, the device achieves accurate water level indication through inherent material properties rather than complex electronic sensors.
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
The solution provides a quick, accurate, and mess-free method for determining water levels in storage tanks, reducing operator error and increasing operational efficiency while ensuring accurate water removal without affecting the valuable oil or petroleum.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible color-changing polymer composition that changes color upon contact with water
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concepts generally relate to an apparatus and methods of making and using the same for determining the presence of water ingress into a system and the amount of such water ingress. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a reversible color-changing polymer composition that can react with water and thereafter change from a first color to a second color. When the water is thereafter removed, the reversible color-changing polymer composition substantially reverts to the first color. As such, a reusable water gauge device and methods of making and using the same are disclosed.