Ultrasonic and Biosensor Deposit Detection in Liquid Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial plants face challenges in accurately measuring fouling and scaling deposits due to limited installation space and high temperatures within functional units, leading to inaccurate deposit thickness determination and inefficient treatment, which results in operational issues and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that combine ultrasonic transducers with electrochemical or biosensors to detect and analyze deposits within liquid-bearing systems, allowing for the differentiation between living and dead deposits, and quantification of their physical properties, enabling targeted and efficient treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measuring devices are installed inside functional units, then deposit detection accuracy is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to limited space and high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by placing sensors in the connecting pipe that serves as a mediator between the functional unit and the measurement system. The sensor measures deposits in the connecting pipe, which indirectly provides information about deposits forming in the functional unit, avoiding direct installation in the harsh environment inside the functional unit while still achieving useful measurement data
2Ease of operation
If measuring devices are installed in connecting pipes, then installation ease is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lower temperatures and reduced deposit accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy or replica of the deposit formation conditions by using the connecting pipe as a surrogate environment. The sensor measures deposits in the connecting pipe, which serves as a copy of the deposit formation process occurring in the functional unit, allowing indirect measurement without direct exposure to harsh conditions
3Reliability
If biocides and chemical deposit control agents are added to prevent deposits, then deposit accumulation is reduced, but treatment costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring deposit formation in real-time and using this information to control the dosing of biocides and chemical deposit control agents. The system adjusts chemical addition based on actual deposit conditions, preventing both over-dosing (wasting chemicals) and under-dosing (allowing deposits), thereby reducing overall chemical consumption while maintaining effective deposit prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system enables the liquid-bearing system to monitor and manage its own deposit formation, reducing reliance on continuous chemical addition. By detecting deposits early, the system can take targeted corrective actions rather than relying on constant chemical treatment, allowing the system to serve itself in deposit management
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 allows for timely and accurate detection and characterization of deposits, reducing the need for excessive biocides and chemicals, minimizing environmental impact while optimizing treatment processes and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
detecting ultrasonic waves reflected by an area of said surface
Implementation Method 2
the second detection means is configured to detect a specific kind of deposit (31) in the reflection area (20)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for detecting deposits in a reflection area inside a liquid-bearing system comprising an ultrasonic transducer for emitting an ultrasonic emission signal towards the reflection area and a first detection means for detecting an ultrasonic reflection signal obtained by reflection of the ultrasonic emission signal in the reflection area, wherein a second detection means is disposed in the reflection area, the second detection means being configured to detect a specific kind of deposit.