Sensor Cleaning Apparatus Using Gas-Liquid Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial water systems, particularly cooling water systems, face challenges in maintaining accurate measurements due to deposition of minerals, fouling, and microbial contamination, which lead to measurement errors and instability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a combination of a liquid flow bore and a gas flow bore within a body, where a gaseous stream is introduced into a liquid stream at a higher pressure to contact sensor surfaces, using a cleaning solution like urea hydrogen chloride to clean pH and oxidation-reduction potential sensors, and comparing recovery curves to assess sensor degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are continuously exposed to industrial water to maintain measurement capability, then measurement function is maintained, but deposition accumulates on sensor surfaces reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by introducing a gaseous stream into the liquid stream before deposition significantly impacts measurement accuracy. The gas injection point is positioned upstream to create turbulence and prevent deposition formation, maintaining sensor surface cleanliness proactively rather than reactively
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic action by injecting a gaseous stream into the liquid flow path. The gas injection creates turbulence and disrupts the liquid flow pattern, preventing deposition on sensor surfaces through aerodynamic forces and enhanced mixing without requiring mechanical contact with the sensors
2Measurement precision
If sensor surfaces are cleaned frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is maintained, but sensor lifespan is reduced due to increased wear and chemical exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical cleaning systems (such as brushes, wipes, or physical contact methods) with a pneumatic cleaning approach. A gaseous stream is injected into the liquid flow to create turbulence and prevent deposition through non-contact means, eliminating mechanical wear on sensor surfaces while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The gaseous stream acts as an intermediary between the cleaning function and the sensor surfaces. Instead of directly contacting sensors with cleaning mechanisms, the gas introduces turbulence and flow disruption that indirectly prevents deposition formation, reducing direct exposure of sensors to harsh cleaning chemicals and mechanical stress
3Productivity
If a gaseous stream is introduced at high pressure to effectively clean sensor surfaces, then deposition removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by introducing the gaseous stream at a pressure level sufficient to create the necessary turbulence and flow disruption, but not excessively high. The gas injection creates localized turbulence zones at the sensor surfaces without requiring system-wide high-pressure conditions, optimizing energy usage while achieving effective deposition prevention
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 effectively prevents and removes deposition from sensor surfaces, maintaining measurement accuracy and extending sensor lifespan by regularly cleaning and monitoring sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
A gaseous stream is introduced into a liquid stream at a higher pressure to contact sensor surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a gaseous stream is introduced into the liquid stream, thereby causing the combined gaseous and liquid stream to contact the surface
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 1d
AI summary
Apparatus for maintaining accuracy in the measurement of a parameter of industrial water, comprising: a body, at least one sensor aperture, a liquid flow bore formed through the body, a gas flow bore formed at least partially through the body and at least one jet channel formed in the body and fluidly connecting the gas flow bore and the liquid flow bore.