Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor Concentration Testing via Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack efficient and cost-effective means to determine the concentration of volatile corrosion inhibitors in packaging systems, leading to unpredictable corrosion protection and potential damage during storage or transport, especially in production-related environments.
Innovation Solution
A testing device utilizing transmission infrared spectroscopy with a compact optical unit, adjustable light source-infrared detector distance, and synchronized mid-infrared components to non-destructively measure volatile corrosion inhibitor concentrations in VCI samples, enabling quick and accurate assessment of corrosion protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex laboratory testing methods based on chromatography are used to determine VCI concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly with testing times of several days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical chromatography systems with an optical measurement system using infrared spectroscopy. The device uses an infrared light source and detector to measure VCI concentration through optical absorption, eliminating the need for time-consuming chromatographic separation and analysis while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical model that correlates infrared absorption characteristics with VCI concentration. Instead of using the complex chromatographic analysis process, the system uses infrared spectral data to directly determine concentration, providing a faster alternative that maintains sufficient measurement precision for quality control applications
2Reliability
If VCI materials are stored or applied incorrectly, then corrosion protection reliability deteriorates, but the complexity of monitoring and controlling VCI application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device enables users to perform self-monitoring of VCI concentration using a simple, portable instrument. The system allows end-users to independently verify VCI levels in packaging without requiring complex external monitoring infrastructure or specialized laboratory equipment, empowering users to ensure proper application and storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where VCI concentration is measured and can be used to adjust application quantities or identify storage issues. The measurement system provides information that allows users to correct improper application or storage conditions, ensuring reliable corrosion protection through continuous verification
3Duration of action of stationary object
If extended storage periods are used for packaged goods, then the corrosion protection effect diminishes, but the ability to detect diminishing protection early is currently unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of VCI concentration at various points during storage, allowing users to identify trends before corrosion damage occurs. By measuring concentration periodically, the system provides early warning of diminishing protection, enabling corrective action before the protective effect is fully lost
Solution Approach 2:
The portable testing device allows for continuous or periodic monitoring of VCI concentration throughout the storage period. This continuous measurement capability tracks the degradation of protective effect over time, providing ongoing information about corrosion protection status rather than relying on initial application assumptions
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 solution allows for rapid, precise determination of volatile corrosion inhibitor concentrations, optimizing VCI material usage, reducing the risk of corrosion damage, and enabling flexible, cost-effective quality control in production environments.
Implementation Method 1
determine the concentration of a volatile corrosion inhibitor in an infrared-transparent sample containing the volatile corrosion inhibitor by means of transmission infrared spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
a light source for emitting infrared radiation and an infrared detector for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the light source after the radiation has passed through the VCI sample
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test device and a test method for determining the concentration of a volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) in an infrared-transmissive VCI sample (3) containing the volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) by means of transmission infrared spectroscopy. The test device comprises at least one optical unit consisting of an infrared radiation (4) emitting light source (1) and an infrared detector (2) designed for spectrally resolved detection of the infrared radiation (4), wherein the emitted and spectrally detected infrared radiation (4) covers the wavelength range of the mid-infrared.According to the test procedure, the VCI sample (3) is inserted into the optical unit perpendicular to the path of the infrared radiation (4) during the test, whereby a plurality of spectra are recorded and the concentration of the volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) in the VCI sample (3) is determined based on the recorded spectra by means of multivariate data analysis. The areas of application of the test device and the test procedure are in the fields of incoming goods inspection, long-term storage of packaging systems, quality assurance in packaging assembly and quality control during the production of VCI materials.