Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detector Shutdown Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shutdown process of sulfur chemiluminescence detectors is labor-intensive for operators, as they must manually sequence the shutdown of multiple components, risking contamination and operational disruptions if the order is not followed correctly.
Innovation Solution
A sulfur chemiluminescence detector system that includes a shutdown functioning unit to automatically control the oxidation-reduction gas supply, heating, ozone supply, and vacuum pump operations in response to a shutdown signal, reducing operator burden and ensuring proper shutdown sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual shutdown operation is used, then the operator can control each unit individually, but the burden on the operator is extensive and the shutdown process is labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown functioning unit enables the SCD to perform shutdown operations automatically without requiring manual intervention for each component. The system self-manages the shutdown sequence by receiving a shutdown signal and autonomously controlling the oxidation-reduction gas supply unit, heating means, ozone supply unit, and vacuum pump to stop their operations in the correct order.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of shutting down each unit with an automated control system. The shutdown functioning unit uses electronic control signals to automatically manage the shutdown process, substituting the manual mechanical approach with an automated electronic control mechanism.
2Reliability
If manual shutdown operation is used, then each unit can be stopped individually, but the risk of contamination and operational disruptions increases if the order is wrong
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown functioning unit implements a controlled shutdown sequence where each component is stopped in a predetermined order based on feedback from the system state. The system monitors and manages the shutdown process to ensure that components are stopped in the correct sequence, preventing contamination and operational disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutdown functioning unit is pre-programmed with the correct shutdown sequence for all components. When a shutdown signal is received, the system executes the predetermined sequence automatically, ensuring that each unit is stopped at the appropriate time without requiring real-time operator judgment.
3Productivity
If automatic shutdown control is implemented, then the shutdown process is simplified and operator burden is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown functioning unit serves multiple functions: it receives the shutdown signal, controls the oxidation-reduction gas supply unit, manages the heating means, controls the ozone supply unit, and manages the vacuum pump. This multi-functional control unit consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms, improving efficiency while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control of multiple shutdown operations into a single shutdown functioning unit. Instead of having separate control systems for each component (gas supply unit, heating means, ozone supply unit, vacuum pump), these control functions are merged into one integrated unit that manages all shutdown operations coordinate
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
Facilitates a streamlined and reliable shutdown process, minimizing the risk of contamination and operational disruptions by automating the shutdown of critical components, thus simplifying the operator's role in completing the shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means configured to heat the gas passage
Implementation Method 2
The sample gas is oxidized by the oxidizing agent while passing through the interior of the combustion tube, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is generated from a sulfur compound in the sample gas
Implementation Method 3
the SO2 is reduced by the reducing agent while passing through the interior of the combustion tube, and sulfur monoxide (SO) is generated
Implementation Method 4
a vacuum pump connected to the reaction cell. The vacuum pump is used to suck gas inside the reaction cell
Implementation Method 5
the sulfur monoxide and the ozone react with each other to generate the excited species of sulfur dioxide (SO2*). When the SO2* turns back to the ground state through chemiluminescence, the emission intensity of the SO2* is detected by a photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A sulfur chemiluminescence detector 200 includes: a heating furnace including a gas passage having first and second supply ports, and a heater configured to heat the gas passage; an oxidation-reduction gas supply unit configured to supply, to the gas passage, an oxidizing-agent gas through the first supply port and a reducing-agent gas through the second supply port; a reaction cell configured to make a sample gas that has passed through the gas passage react with ozone; an ozone supply unit configured to supply the ozone into the reaction cell; a vacuum pump connected to the reaction cell; a photodetector configured to detect light generated inside the reaction cell; a signal receiving unit configured to receive a shutdown signal; and a shutdown functioning unit configured to control each unit to automatically stop supplying the reducing-agent gas and the oxidizing-agent gas by the oxidation-reduction gas supply unit, heating the gas passage by the heater, supplying the ozone by the ozone supply unit, and evacuating by the vacuum pump, upon the shutdown signal being received by the signal receiving unit.