Solution Maker Apparatus with Grate Filtration for Concentration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing chemical solutions, such as salt solutions for deicing, often fail to maintain accurate concentration levels due to interference from solids and lack of continuous measurement, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A solution maker apparatus that includes a mixer with a grate to separate dissolved chemicals from undissolved solids, a concentration sensor for continuous monitoring, and a control system to adjust solvent addition, ensuring the solution is within a target concentration range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific gravity measurement is used to monitor and adjust solution concentration, then the concentration can be controlled, but solids such as silica, dirt, and other foreign material in the solution can affect the specific gravity reading and lead to undesired salt concentration levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes foreign materials (solids such as silica, dirt, and other contaminants) from the solution before concentration measurement. This is achieved through filtration or settling mechanisms that separate the harmful foreign materials from the brine solution, ensuring that subsequent specific gravity or refractive index measurements accurately reflect the salt concentration without interference from extraneous substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using refractive index measurement as an alternative to specific gravity measurement. The refractive index is less sensitive to foreign material interference, providing a more reliable indicator of concentration. This intermediary method bypasses the problem of foreign materials affecting measurement accuracy.
2Device complexity
If separate measurements spaced apart in time are used to monitor concentration, then the measurement process is simpler, but the measurements are not continuous during the mixing operation and may not reflect real-time concentration fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring of solution concentration during the mixing operation. Concentration sensors (specific gravity meters or refractometers) are positioned to continuously measure the brine solution as it is being mixed and prepared, providing uninterrupted data flow. This continuous measurement allows for immediate detection and correction of concentration deviations, ensuring reliable concentration control throughout the entire mixing process.
3Device complexity
If unidirectional mixing systems are used, then the mixing process is simpler, but the systems do not account for fluctuations that may occur in mixing operations, thereby providing mixtures that are too low or too high in concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where continuous concentration measurements are fed back to the mixing process. Based on real-time concentration data, the system automatically adjusts mixing parameters (such as solvent addition rate or mixing intensity) to maintain the desired concentration. This closed-loop feedback mechanism accounts for fluctuations in mixing operations and ensures consistent concentration output, preventing mixtures that are too low or too high in concentration.
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 maker produces solutions with precise concentration control, reducing the risk of icing and improving deicing efficiency by maintaining consistent solution concentrations, even in the presence of foreign materials.
Implementation Method 1
A concentration sensor measures the concentration of the solution
Data Source
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AI summary
A solution making system and apparatus are described. The solution maker mixes a chemical or slurry with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by one or more methods. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.