Automatic Titrator Optical Endpoint Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated titration processes face challenges in accurately determining the endpoint of chemical reactions, particularly in systems where manual intervention is impractical, and may require excessive time, making it difficult to monitor solutions at specific intervals.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a light source and optical sensor is used to detect color changes in a sample, with a control device managing the addition of reagents and titrants to induce and measure color changes, allowing for precise calculation of the desired component's concentration in a solution, either in batch or continuous modes of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated titration systems are used to determine reaction endpoints, then manual operation is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in accurately determining endpoints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of titration processVSAvoidendpoint detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual detection of color changes with an automated optical sensor system. The optical sensor electronically detects color changes in the solution, substituting the mechanical/manual observation process with an automated sensing mechanism that provides precise, objective data about the titration endpoint without human intervention or subjective judgment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the solution's color changes during titration using optical sensors and feeds this information back to the control system. This feedback loop allows the automated titrator to detect when the endpoint has been reached and stop titration at the precise moment, improving measurement precision while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If automated titration systems are used to perform titrations, then manual intervention is eliminated, but processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of titration processVSAvoidtitration processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor continuously monitors the solution during the entire titration process without interruption, enabling real-time detection of color changes. This continuous monitoring allows the system to quickly identify the endpoint and stop titration at the optimal moment, minimizing processing time while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic sampling and monitoring of the solution's optical properties to detect color changes. By performing measurements at regular intervals during the titration, the system efficiently tracks the reaction progress and identifies the endpoint without requiring continuous complex analysis, thereby reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If manual titration methods are used, then measurement precision can be maintained through skilled operation, but productivity decreases due to the tedious nature of the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetitration measurement accuracyVSAvoidtitration throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated titration system performs the entire titration process independently without requiring skilled manual operation. The control system automatically controls reagent addition, monitors color changes via optical sensors, and determines endpoints, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for skilled technicians while maintaining precision and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enables reliable and efficient determination of solution components, reducing the need for manual operation and minimizing processing time, allowing for accurate and rapid analysis of various chemistries, including oxidizers, with results achievable in under 3 minutes.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor disposed at a position to sense a color change of the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8980636B2Automatic titrator

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.