Sorbent Cartridge Monitoring via Spindle Piston Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for in-situ accumulation of substances in liquid environments, such as water or soil, face limitations due to high energy consumption and statistical uncertainty, particularly in passive systems where the water flow rate increases over time, and active systems are restricted by battery size and require frequent servicing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a sorbent cartridge placed in a liquid environment, where a controlled chamber volume change drives a precise liquid volume through the sorbent, allowing for repeated and energy-efficient accumulation of substances over extended periods without the need for continuous power or frequent maintenance, using a spindle and piston mechanism to manage the chamber volume and ensure consistent flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If active methods use a pump for pumping liquid through the sorbent, then the liquid flow rate can be controlled, but the energy consumption increases and the sampling period is limited by battery size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using a tracer that leaches at regular intervals proportional to passing water, creating periodic measurement signals. This allows the system to operate passively without continuous energy input, resolving the contradiction between controlled flow rate and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tracer as an intermediary substance between the liquid flow and the measurement system. The tracer leaches proportionally to water flow, enabling indirect measurement of flow rate without requiring active pumping, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining flow control capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive methods use a tracer to determine flow through the sorbent, then the energy consumption decreases, but the water rate increases over the sampling period causing statistical uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the tracer concentration and using this information to adjust and maintain consistent flow rates throughout the sampling period. This feedback mechanism compensates for the natural tendency of flow rate to increase, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring high energy consumption.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the sampling period is extended from one day to two days in passive methods, then the measurement coverage increases, but the difference in integrated water volume increases causing higher statistical uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors and adjusts flow rate throughout the extended sampling period, compensating for cumulative volume differences. This allows the system to maintain measurement precision even when the sampling period is extended from one day to two days or longer, as the feedback control keeps the integrated water volume consistent.
4Productivity
If active systems are used for in-situ accumulation, then the liquid flow can be driven through the sorbent, but the systems require frequent servicing and battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using a passive tracer-based system that automatically determines flow through the sorbent without requiring external power sources or active components. The tracer leaches proportionally to water flow, enabling the system to function autonomously for extended periods without servicing, while still maintaining liquid flow through the sorbent for effective accumulation.
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
Enables prolonged and precise measurement of substances like nitrates, phosphates, and oils over months without service, reducing energy consumption and statistical uncertainty by maintaining a consistent water flow rate, thereby enhancing the ability to detect pollution over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
The pollution may then be absorbed by or adsorbed to the sorbent
Implementation Method 2
The pollution may then be absorbed by or adsorbed to the sorbent
Implementation Method 3
The tracer leaches at a rate proportional to passing water
Implementation Method 4
driving a liquid volume through the sorbent, wherein the act of repeating is performed over a time period of 0.1-3 months
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for in-situ accumulation of one or more substances from a liquid environment. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is disclosed including placing a cartridge with a sorbent in the liquid environment, driving a liquid volume through the sorbent, and repeating the act of driving as a function of time.