Rotary Valve Analytical System for Peracid and Hydrogen Peroxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual analytical chemistry procedures for determining peracid and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in antimicrobial compositions are time-consuming, inaccurate, and require multiple reagents, with existing devices being effective over a narrow range of concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A rotary valve analytical system comprising a rotor, stator, syringe barrels, and optical sensors, which automates the delivery and mixing of fluids to measure peracid and hydrogen peroxide concentrations using a buffered iodide reagent, exploiting differences in reaction rates to differentiate between the two analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual titration methods are used to determine peracid and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, then multiple reagents and large volumes of use composition are required, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical titration operations with an automated rotary valve system that mechanically controls fluid delivery. The rotary valve assembly automates the metering and transfer of reagents and samples, eliminating manual manipulation while maintaining measurement accuracy through precise mechanical volume control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary preparation by pre-filling syringe barrels with specific volumes of reagents (sodium thiosulfate, starch indicator, diluted use composition) before the analysis begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated manual measurements during the titration process, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manual titrations are performed to determine both peracid and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, then concentration ranges can be determined, but the procedure is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve assembly serves multiple functions within a single integrated device: it meters sample volumes, delivers different reagents (sodium thiosulfate, starch indicator), performs titrations, and enables both peracid and hydrogen peroxide analysis. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various concentration ranges and analysis types without requiring separate procedures, thereby increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through the rotatable valve mechanism that can be positioned at different angular orientations to connect different syringe barrels and ports to the flow path. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical apparatus to adapt to different analysis requirements and concentration ranges, maintaining versatility while enabling rapid switching between different measurement modes.
3Measurement precision
If precise volume delivery is performed manually, then concentration measurements can be obtained, but human error and variability increase results inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual volume measurement and delivery operations with a mechanically controlled rotary valve system. The valve's fixed geometry and precise rotational positioning ensure that identical volumes are delivered consistently across multiple analyses. The mechanical metering mechanism eliminates human variability in judgment and manipulation, thereby improving both precision and reliability of concentration measurements.
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 system enables rapid and accurate determination of peracid and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, allowing for real-time monitoring and maintenance of optimal antimicrobial activity levels, reducing manual errors and increasing analysis frequency.
Implementation Method 1
exploiting differences in reaction rates to differentiate between the two analytes
Implementation Method 2
a sensor adapted to perform a measurement on the mixed fluids
Data Source
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AI summary
A lab-on-valve analytical system includes a rotary sample preparation assembly having a stator and a rotor. The rotor includes a plurality of integral syringe pumps which can be aligned with passages formed within the stator. The stator passages can be connected with fluid inlet connector which connect the sample preparation assembly with fluid sources, and fluid outlet connectors which connect the sample preparation assembly with one or more wet chemical analytical devices. Some embodiments can include a mixer and optical sensor connected with the fluid outlets. One or more drive motors can be used to control simultaneous actuation of one or more of the syringe pumps, thereby providing for simultaneous delivery of metered volumes of fluid.