Visual Spill Indicator Using Color-Changing Dye for Organic Contaminant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a simple and effective way to visually or photometrically indicate the presence of organic contaminants, making it difficult to determine if a spill has occurred or if a protective sorbent barrier has been breached, posing safety risks and requiring laboratory analysis.
Innovation Solution
A composition that changes color upon contact with organic contaminants, comprising a dye and a matrix, used in conjunction with a device featuring a light-transmissive pathway for remote detection, allowing for visual or spectral analysis without moving suspect materials, enhancing personnel safety and reducing the need for laboratory analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual indication materials are used to detect organic contaminants, then detection capability is improved, but the materials must be in direct contact with hazardous contaminants which reduces personnel safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary indicator material that can be contained within protective barriers such as booms, pillows, or wraps. This indicator material serves as a mediator between the contaminant detection function and personnel safety, allowing visual detection without direct personnel contact with hazardous materials. The indicator is enclosed in a protective structure that prevents exposure while enabling optical detection of contaminant presence through color changes.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory analysis is used to detect organic contaminants, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laboratory analytical systems with a simple optical detection system based on color-changing indicator materials. Instead of using sophisticated analytical instruments and procedures, the invention uses visual or photometric detection of color changes in the indicator material, which occurs automatically upon contaminant contact. This substitution dramatically reduces detection time and operational complexity while maintaining sufficient accuracy for spill detection and containment monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated spectral instruments are used for remote detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color-changing indicator materials that can be detected by simple optical means including human vision or basic photometric instruments. The indicator materials undergo distinct color changes when exposed to organic contaminants, enabling remote detection without requiring sophisticated spectral analysis equipment. This approach maintains detection capability while significantly reducing device complexity and cost compared to advanced spectral instruments.
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
Enables rapid, cost-effective detection of organic contaminants through color change, allowing for safe remote monitoring and reducing the risk of exposure, particularly when used with organic spill-absorbing materials like Imbiber Beads, improving safety and environmental protection.
Implementation Method 1
a dye, which changes color when contacted with a suitable amount of the organic contaminant
Implementation Method 2
a light-transmissive pathway in communication with the bay and a detection site external the bay
Data Source
AI summary
Composition, which includes a dye that changes color when contacted with a suitable amount of an organic substance, in conjunction with a matrix, paste, support or web, can indicate visually or photometrically the presence of the organic substance. An organic spill absorbing material may be present. For instance, the dye may be selected from the class of anthracene, azo, anthraquinone, pyrazolone, and quinone dyes, and be hydrophobic and organic oleophilic. For an example, the dye may be Oil Red “A.” The matrix, paste, support or web may include a microfiber cloth, which may be coated with an adhesive for attachment of the dye, and/or include a water-dissolving paper which may envelope the dye. A device for ascertaining whether an organic substance is present includes the dye or composition with the dye at a certain locale, and a light-transmissive pathway in communication with the location and a detection site external the location. A spectral instrument may be included for the detection, and a remote monitor site may be in communication with the instrument. Various organic substances can be detected, to include oils and gasoline.