Water Analyzer Grab Sampling for Continuous Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing process analyzing arrangements for water parameters require manual verification of results, which is inefficient and lacks continuous monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An automatic analyzer unit with a water sample feed pump, fluidic control arrangement, and grab sample container, along with electronic and manual grab sampling criteria, allows for continuous water parameter determination and selective sampling for verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual verification of water parameters is performed by taking grab samples, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater parameter verificationVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically collects and stores grab samples in a refrigerated container at predetermined intervals before verification is needed. This preliminary action eliminates the time required for manual sampling during verification, as samples are already prepared and stored ready for analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-sampling by automatically directing water flow to collect grab samples without human intervention. The automated valve control and sample collection mechanism allows the system to service itself, eliminating the need for operators to manually take samples for verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual grab sampling is performed for verification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater parameter verificationVSAvoidsampling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated valve control system serves multiple functions: it directs continuous water flow to the analyzer, collects grab samples in containers, and can redirect flow for cleaning purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerated sample container serves as an intermediary storage medium between the water source and the analysis point. It automatically preserves samples at controlled temperatures without requiring active intervention, simplifying the verification process while maintaining sample integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If continuous monitoring is performed remotely, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to lack of immediate validation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoidresult verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by automatically collecting grab samples at scheduled intervals or when parameter thresholds are exceeded. These samples can be analyzed to verify the accuracy of continuous monitoring readings, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enhances reliability while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

By pre-collecting and storing grab samples in the refrigerated container, the system prepares validation data in advance. This allows immediate verification when needed without interrupting continuous monitoring operations, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates continuous and automated water parameter monitoring with efficient sampling and verification, reducing manual intervention and ensuring accurate, timely detection of extreme values.

Implementation Method 1

Typically, the water sample feed pump is a peristaltic pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentEP4375662B1Process analyzing arrangement
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 HACH LANGE HACH LANGE
  • EP4375662B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention is directed to a process analyzing arrangement (10) for continuously determining a water parameter of water (14) of a stationary water site (12), with an automatic analyzer unit (100) and a water sample feed pump (30) for pumping a water sample flow from the stationary water site (12) to the automatic analyzer unit (100), The automatic analyzer unit (100) comprises: a physical analyzer (66) with an analyzing chamber (60) where the water parameter is physically determined, a separate grab sample container (110) of at least 20 ml for collecting a grab sample volume, and a fluidic control arrangement (200) for selectively directing from the water sample flow an analyzer sample to the analyzing chamber (60) and/or a grab sample to the grab sample container (110), wherein the fluidic control arrangement (200) comprises an electronic control unit (90) with a grab sampling control (92) and a grab sampling criterion means (94,95,96) for initiating a grab sample action controlled by the grab sampling control (92). Since the automatic analyzer unit can provide a grab sample, no manual grab sampling is necessary anymore.