Integrated TOC Transfer Module for Temperature-Stable Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional TOC analyzers require temperature compensation algorithms for conductivity measurements, which are inaccurate when the solution composition is unknown, and often use bulky devices with multiple conductivity cells leading to inconsistent results.

Innovation Solution

A device with integrated transfer modules and temperature control systems that maintain fluid temperature at a specified reference point, using gas permeable membranes and conductivity sensors to directly measure conductivity without temperature compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If temperature compensation algorithms are used for conductivity measurements, then measurements can be performed at varying temperatures, but measurement precision deteriorates when solution composition is unknown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductivity measurement capabilityVSAvoidconductivity measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter by actively controlling and maintaining the solution at a reference temperature (e.g., 25°C) during conductivity measurements. This eliminates the need for temperature compensation algorithms and their associated inaccuracies, as measurements are performed at the standard reference temperature where compensation is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary temperature adjustment by heating or cooling the solution to the reference temperature before conducting the conductivity measurement. This preliminary action ensures that the measurement conditions are optimized in advance, eliminating the need for post-measurement compensation calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If multiple conductivity cells are used to measure separate streams, then comprehensive conductivity data can be obtained, but device complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductivity measurement coverageVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple conductivity measurement capabilities into a single integrated cell assembly. The cell assembly includes multiple electrodes that can measure conductivity of different streams simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate conductivity cells and reducing device bulkiness while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal conductivity cell assembly that can measure conductivity of multiple different streams (e.g., permeate and concentrate streams) using a single integrated structure. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized cells, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple conductivity cells are used for separate stream measurement, then complete data can be collected, but measurement consistency deteriorates due to potential different values from each cell

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestream measurement coverageVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated conductivity cell assembly, ensuring that all streams are measured under identical physical conditions (temperature, pressure, flow dynamics). This eliminates the variability introduced by using separate cells, as the unified structure ensures consistent measurement conditions for all streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Accurate conductivity measurements are achieved at the desired temperature, eliminating the need for assumptions about solution composition and reducing device bulkiness.

Implementation Method 1

a gas permeable membrane disposed between the first transfer plate and the second transfer plate, wherein a portion of the first fluid channel and a portion of the second fluid channel are separated by the gas permeable membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

a temperature control system configured to heat or cool at least one or both of the first transfer plate and the second transfer plate of each of the one or more transfer modules, wherein heating or cooling the at least one or both of the first transfer plate and the second transfer plate heats or cools the fluid within the first fluid channel and/or the fluid within the second fluid channel to the desired temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a temperature control system configured to heat or cool at least one or both of the first transfer plate and the second transfer plate of each of the one or more transfer modules, wherein heating or cooling the at least one or both of the first transfer plate and the second transfer plate heats or cools the fluid within the first fluid channel and/or the fluid within the second fluid channel to the desired temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 4

one or more conductivity sensors configured to measure a conductivity of the fluid within the portion of the first fluid channel separated from the second fluid channel by the gas permeable membrane at the desired temperature and/or a conductivity of the fluid within the portion of the second fluid channel separated from the first fluid channel by the gas permeable membrane at the desired temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12504394B2Combined transfer module with integrated conductivity measurement
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 BL TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US12504394B2 patent drawing
  • US12504394B2 patent drawing
  • US12504394B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for analyzing total organic carbon (TOC) within a fluid at a desired temperature can include one or more transfer modules, each including a first and second transfer plate. A first fluid channel is formed in the first transfer plate and a second fluid channel is formed in the second transfer plate. A CO2 permeable membrane is disposed between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel and a temperature measurement device measures a temperature of a fluid within the first and/or second fluid channel. A temperature control system is configured to heat or cool the transfer plates. Heating or cooling the transfer plates heats or cools the fluid within the first and/or second fluid channel to the desired temperature. One or more conductivity sensors are configured to measure a conductivity of the fluid within the first and/or second fluid channel.