Titration System Using Load Cell and Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductivity probes in clean-in-place systems are prone to fouling, leading to inaccurate measurements of cleaning chemical concentrations, resulting in overuse and increased costs, as they cannot accurately measure all cleaning products and are affected by various chemical and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A titration system that uses a load cell for precise mass measurement, includes a self-cleaning feature, and employs a spectroscopy unit with a radiation source and receiver to detect color changes in a mixture, allowing for accurate determination of analyte concentrations by calculating the masses of sample, indicator, and titrant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conductivity probes are used to measure cleaning chemical concentrations, then the measurement process is simple and automated, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to fouling and false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the main cleaning system by using a separate titration subsystem that samples the cleaning solution. The titration cell is isolated from the main cleaning tank, allowing measurements to be performed on withdrawn samples rather than in-situ, which prevents fouling of the measurement components while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary sampling system that transfers cleaning solution from the main tank to the titration cell. This intermediary mechanism (sampling pump and transfer system) allows the measurement process to occur in a separate, easily cleanable environment, preventing direct contact between the measurement components and the fouling cleaning solution in the main system.
2Extent of automation
If conductivity probes are used for continuous monitoring, then the automation extent is high, but the reliability deteriorates due to chemical build-up and false conductivity measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the monitoring system into separate functional components: a sampling system, a titration system, and a control system. The titration system itself is segmented into multiple titrants and indicators that can be selectively applied. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the titration cell being easily removable and cleanable, thus maintaining reliability while preserving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The titration cell and its components are designed as disposable or easily replaceable units. After use, the entire titration cell can be discarded or quickly cleaned, preventing long-term fouling issues. This approach prioritizes reliability by ensuring that measurement components are always in fresh, uncontaminated state, while the automated control system continues to operate based on accurate measurements.
3Device complexity
If volumetric titration methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to systematic errors in volume measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical volumetric measurement systems with a mass-based measurement system using load cells. Instead of relying on volumetric burettes and graduated cylinders that introduce systematic errors, the system uses electronic mass measurement to determine the amount of titrant added. This substitution maintains relatively simple device structure while dramatically improving precision through digital mass measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental measurement parameter from volume to mass. By measuring the mass of titrant added rather than its volume, the system eliminates errors associated with volumetric calibration, temperature effects on volume, and meniscus reading errors. The load cell provides direct mass measurement that is more accurate and less prone to systematic errors than traditional volumetric methods.
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 titration system provides precise and reproducible measurements, reducing systematic errors and fouling, thereby optimizing the delivery of cleaning chemicals and ensuring efficient cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can be positioned adjacent to the reaction vessel and output a signal to the controller based on a force exerted by the reaction vessel in a direction toward the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The spectroscopy unit may include a radiation source and a receiver positioned adjacent to the reaction vessel to detect a color change in a mixture in the reaction vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A titration system is disclosed for determining content of an analyte in a sample. The titration system comprises: a controller; a reaction vessel; a titration vessel and an indicator vessel in fluid communication with the reaction vessel; a spectroscopy unit; a sensor for outputting a signal to the controller based on a force exerted by the reaction vessel on the sensor. The controller executes a stored program to: (i) perform titration by delivering to the reaction vessel a first mass of a first fluid comprising the sample, a second mass of a second fluid comprising indicator, and a third mass of a third fluid comprising titrant; (ii) detect color change in the mixture in the reaction vessel based on a signal from the spectroscopy unit and stop titration; and (iii) calculate content of the analyte in the sample based on the first mass, the second mass, and the third mass.