Soil Sampling Slurry Preparation for Faster Chemical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil sampling processes are inefficient as they require drying, grinding, and multiple steps for sample preparation and analysis, which can lead to delays and inaccuracies in determining soil chemical properties.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated computer-controlled sampling system that processes soil samples in the 'as collected' condition, eliminating the need for drying and grinding. The system includes a sample preparation sub-system that mixes soil samples with water to form a slurry and a chemical analysis sub-system that processes the slurry for quantification of chemical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional drying and grinding steps are used for soil sample preparation, then sample integrity is maintained, but processing time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary drying and grinding steps from the traditional soil sample preparation process. By directly processing soil samples in their natural state, the system removes time-consuming operations while maintaining analysis accuracy through automated slurry preparation and filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mixing of soil samples with water to create a slurry before analysis. This pre-preparation step allows the samples to be ready for immediate chemical analysis without requiring subsequent drying or grinding, significantly reducing overall processing time.
2Productivity
If multiple soil samples are processed sequentially through traditional methods, then detailed analysis is achieved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the soil sample processing into independent parallel streams, each with its own mixing and filtration pathway. This allows multiple samples to be prepared and analyzed simultaneously without cross-contamination, maintaining analytical precision while dramatically increasing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system maintains continuous operation by continuously mixing samples with water, continuously filtering slurries, and continuously analyzing chemical properties. This eliminates idle time between samples and maintains steady-state processing conditions that ensure consistent analytical accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If manual sample preparation steps are used, then flexibility in handling different sample types is maintained, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal mixing and filtration components that can handle various soil sample types, including different textures, moisture contents, and compositions. The automated design maintains flexibility by using adjustable parameters and universal interfaces while eliminating manual handling requirements.
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 allows for simultaneous or semi-concurrent analysis of multiple soil samples, significantly reducing processing time and improving the accuracy of chemical property analysis, while maintaining the integrity of the samples.
Implementation Method 1
mixes the collected raw soil sample in the 'as sampled' condition (e.g. undried and unground) with water to form a sample slurry
Implementation Method 2
The mixer-filter apparatus then filters the slurry during its extraction from the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
The mixer-filter apparatus then filters the slurry during its extraction from the apparatus for processing in the chemical analysis sub-system
Implementation Method 4
centrifugating the slurry sample to yield a clear supernatant
Implementation Method 5
sensing or analysis for detection of the analytes and/or chemical properties such as via colorimetric analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A coulter assembly for collecting soil samples from an agricultural field in one embodiment comprises an annular collection blade configured for penetrating soil to capture a sample, an annular cam ring configured for stationary mounting to a frame of an agricultural vehicle and comprising a cam track, a blade hub coupled to the blade for rotatably supporting the annular collection blade from the annular cam ring, and a movable sample collector mounted to the annular collection blade. The moveable sample collector is configured and operable for extracting a soil sample as the annular collection blade is rotated through the soil. The moveable sample collector in one embodiment comprises a piston mechanism including a cylinder and rod movably disposed therein which actuated by the annular cam ring to alternatingly open and close a collection end of the cylinder as the annular collection blade rotates through the soil.