Integrated Spectrophotometer for Water Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water monitoring systems are limited in their ability to continuously measure multiple chemical and physical parameters in real-time, often requiring multiple sensors and skilled operators, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies in detecting anomalies in fluid flows.
Innovation Solution
An integrated spectrophotometric system that uses a single optical path to combine absorption, fluorescence, and reflectance measurements from a bifurcated fiber assembly and flow-cell, allowing for over 100 real-time measurements across a wide spectrometric range, enabling continuous monitoring of water quality with automatic data analysis and response to anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to measure multiple chemical and physical parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases and errors propagate from each device
Solution Approach 1:
A single spectrophotometric sensor performs multiple measurement functions by analyzing light absorption across different wavelengths. The system measures multiple chemical and physical parameters including turbidity, chlorophyll-a, dissolved organic carbon, and various contaminants simultaneously through one integrated device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement techniques (absorption spectrophotometry, fluorescence, light scattering) into a single integrated sensor system. By merging these different analytical approaches into one device, the system achieves multi-parameter measurement capability while reducing overall device complexity and eliminating error propagation between separate devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used for monitoring, then measurement coverage is improved, but the need for skilled operators for calibration and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single spectrophotometric sensor system provides comprehensive measurement coverage for multiple water quality parameters through one device, reducing the operational burden. The system requires less skilled operator intervention for calibration and maintenance compared to managing multiple separate sensors, as all measurements are obtained through a unified platform with standardized procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are deployed, then monitoring comprehensiveness is improved, but error propagation from each device limits anomaly detection ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement techniques into a single spectrophotometric system that obtains all measurements through one optical path and detector. This eliminates error propagation between separate devices and allows for more reliable anomaly detection by comparing measurements from the same instrument, which shares common calibration and measurement conditions
4Measurement precision
If laboratory analysis is used for water monitoring, then measurement accuracy is improved, but continuous real-time monitoring is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laboratory analysis procedures with a field-deployable spectrophotometric system that provides both high measurement accuracy and continuous real-time monitoring capability. The instrument performs laboratory-quality measurements in situ, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories and enabling continuous monitoring of water quality parameters in real-time
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 system provides high-sensitivity, precise monitoring of multiple water parameters, reducing errors and the need for multiple sensors, enabling real-time detection of anomalies and changes in water quality, even under high pressures and temperatures, with minimal maintenance and automatic operation.
Implementation Method 1
uses a single optical path to combine absorption, fluorescence, and reflectance measurements
Implementation Method 2
uses a single optical path to combine absorption, fluorescence, and reflectance measurements
Implementation Method 3
uses a single optical path to combine absorption, fluorescence, and reflectance measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for monitoring water and other fluid systems is described. The fluid is continually monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring many optical parameters in an in-line, on-line system, which compensates for normal fluid changes while detecting abnormalities.