Multi-Channel Water Analyzer Using Filter Wheel for Chlorine Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water testing devices for human consumption lack efficient methods to accurately measure residual chlorine concentrations and other analytes in water samples, particularly after disinfection, due to limitations in colorimetric methods and multi-parameter instruments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel device that uses spectroscopic and colorimetric analysis to measure turbidity, color, and concentrations of analytes like free chlorine, total chlorine, copper, and phosphate, employing a multicolor light source, detector, and controller to determine analyte concentrations based on detected light ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If colorimetric methods are used to measure chlorine concentration, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy and precision of the measurement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent measurement channels, each dedicated to measuring a specific parameter (free chlorine, total chlorine, turbidity, color). This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific measurement task, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining the simplicity of individual channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple wavelengths of light (380 nm, 405 nm, 470 nm, 520 nm, 605 nm, 720 nm) to measure different parameters. By changing the wavelength parameter, the device can accurately measure different analytes including free chlorine, total chlorine, turbidity, and color, thereby improving measurement precision across multiple parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parameters are measured simultaneously, then comprehensive water quality assessment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a universal measurement platform with a single light source (tungsten lamp) and detector system that can measure multiple parameters (free chlorine, total chlorine, turbidity, color) by using different wavelengths and measurement channels. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive water quality assessment without requiring separate devices for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the wavelength dimension to the measurement process by using a filter wheel with multiple colored glass filters. This dimensional expansion allows a single device to measure multiple parameters simultaneously by selecting appropriate wavelengths, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual wavelength adjustment is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the ease of operation and measurement efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter wheel is designed to rotate automatically under controller direction, allowing dynamic selection of wavelengths. This dynamic mechanism maintains relatively simple device structure while significantly improving ease of operation, as the controller can programmatically select and switch between different wavelengths for different measurements without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically directs the filter wheel to position the appropriate filter for each measurement parameter and automatically processes the measurement data. This self-service capability improves measurement efficiency and ease of operation while keeping the physical device structure simple, as the automated control system handles the complexity of coordinate multiple components.
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 device provides accurate and efficient measurement of various water properties, improving the assessment of water quality by enabling precise detection of analytes, thereby ensuring safer drinking water.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-channel device may measure turbidity and/or color of a liquid sample using spectroscopic analysis
Implementation Method 2
The multi-channel device may also measure the concentration of various analytes in a liquid sample, such as free chlorine, total chlorine, copper, phosphate, fluoride, etc. using colorimetric analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel device includes up to three channels for optical testing of liquid samples. The liquid sample(s) may include surface water, drinking water, processed water or the like. The multi-channel device may include a turbidity channel and a color channel that measure turbidity and color, respectively, of a liquid sample using spectrographic analysis. The multi-channel device may also include a colorimetric channel that measures the concentration of various analytes in a liquid sample, such as free chlorine, total chlorine, copper and phosphate.