Turbidity Calibration Standard Using Glass-Ceramic Composite
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbidity calibration standards using Formazine are unstable and sensitive to stirring rates, leading to inconsistent and unreliable measurements across different angles and batches.
Innovation Solution
A turbidity calibration standard comprising a glass-ceramic composite layer sandwiched between two light absorbing mediums, where the second layer allows controlled light passage and the third layer with high absorption ensures stray light is absorbed, providing a stable and repeatable scattering behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Formazine is used as a turbidity calibration standard, then turbidity measurements can be performed, but the standard is inherently unstable and may drop out of solution quickly, leading to inconsistent measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the calibration standard from liquid (Formazine solution) to solid (glass-ceramic composite with embedded particles). This fundamental parameter change eliminates the instability associated with liquid solutions while maintaining the light scattering properties necessary for turbidity calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material structure consisting of a glass-ceramic composite matrix with embedded scattering particles. This composite approach combines the stability of glass-ceramic with the light scattering properties of suspended particles, creating a stable solid calibration standard that replicates turbidity measurement conditions without the instability of liquid solutions.
2Measurement precision
If Formazine solution is used for turbidity calibration, then measurements can be performed, but the rate at which the solution is stirred affects the measured value, leading to inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from liquid to solid, eliminating the need for stirring entirely. The solid glass-ceramic composite with embedded particles provides consistent light scattering properties regardless of any mechanical agitation, completely resolving the stirring rate sensitivity issue while maintaining measurement precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a solid material is used instead of liquid Formazine, then stability is improved, but the scattering behavior may not be as regular and defined
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite material where scattering particles are embedded within a glass-ceramic matrix. The glass-ceramic component provides structural stability and regularity, while the embedded particles provide the light scattering function. This composite structure achieves both stability and regular scattering behavior simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different regions of the calibration standard serve different functions: the glass-ceramic matrix provides structural stability and regularity, while the embedded scattering particles provide the light scattering properties. This spatial differentiation of functions allows the material to exhibit both stability and regular scattering behavior.
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 solution offers a stable, reliable, and adaptable turbidity calibration standard with consistent measurements across different angles and batches, suitable for various turbidity measurement apparatuses, with the glass-ceramic composite ensuring minimal changes in measurement values over time.
Implementation Method 1
Turbidity is a measure of cloudiness, haziness, or amount of scattering of a medium. This may be caused by large numbers of individual particles that stray light within the medium. Turbidity may be measured, e.g., in 'Formazine Turbidity Units (FTU)' or in 'Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU)'. This may be performed by a scattering measurement, at a 90° deviation from the direction of the light source.
Implementation Method 2
As a first light absorbing medium, a neutral density filter (ND filter) or another type of a light absorbing medium may be used. Thus, light passes through the first light absorbing medium, thereby contributing to the defined turbidity.
Implementation Method 3
As a second light absorbing medium, a neutral density filter with a very high ND value (high absorption percentage), a light absorbent paint, and/or light traps may be used. The second light absorbing medium is darker than the first light absorbing medium. This third layer may absorb any stray light that possibly passes through the turbidity calibration standard; accordingly, whatever is behind the standard has no impact on value.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a turbidity calibration standard (60), a manufacturing method, and a use for a turbidity calibration standard (60). The turbidity calibration standard (60) comprises a first layer (10) comprising or consisting of a glass-ceramic composite; a second layer (20) comprising or consisting of a first light absorbing medium; and a third layer (30) comprising or consisting of a second light absorbing medium, wherein the first layer (10) is arranged immediately adjacent between the second layer (20) and the third layer (30).