Water Quality Analyzer Calibration With Solid Fluorescence Reference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of PAH meters using fluorescence spectroscopy is challenging due to the insolubility, toxicity, and light-fading nature of phenanthrene, making it difficult to prepare a reference liquid with high reproducibility and limiting continuous measurement on ships.
Innovation Solution
A water quality analysis system using a solid fluorescence reference member on the optical path between the light irradiation and detection sections, which emits fluorescence without the need for a conventional reference liquid, ensuring high uniformity, heat resistance, and no toxicity, allowing for easy and quick calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phenanthrene is used as reference liquid for calibration, then fluorescence measurement can be performed, but the reference liquid cannot be prepared with high reproducibility due to insolubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the fluorescence reference material from liquid to solid form. By using solid phenanthrene or phenanthrene-equivalent materials instead of liquid reference solutions, the invention eliminates solubility issues and enables consistent, reproducible calibration without requiring solvent mixing or concentration adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If phenanthrene is used for calibration, then fluorescence reference can be obtained, but toxicity prevents easy on-site use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solid fluorescence reference materials that can be easily replaced and disposed of after use. These solid references eliminate the need for handling toxic liquid phenanthrene solutions, allowing safe on-site calibration without concern for toxicity or environmental contamination.
3Use of energy by moving object
If organic fluorescent material is used, then fluorescence signal can be obtained, but light fading limits measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solid fluorescence reference materials that do not fade with light exposure. This enables continuous, long-term calibration and measurement operations without the time limitations imposed by photodegradation of organic fluorescent compounds in liquid form.
4Ease of operation
If reference liquid is used for calibration, then sensitivity check can be performed, but storage and handling become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluorescence reference function from liquid solution form to solid material form. This simplification removes the need for complex storage conditions, handling procedures, and quality control measures required for liquid reference standards, making calibration operations simpler and more reliable.
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 system enables reliable and convenient calibration without organic fluorescent materials, improving workability and convenience, simplifying storage, and ensuring traceability and reliability of phenanthrene-equivalent PAH concentration measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a water quality analysis system that measures a concentration of a component to be measured by detecting fluorescence generated from the component to be measured contained in a liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
a solid fluorescence reference member that is arranged on an optical path between the light irradiation section and the light detection section at a time of calibration and that emits the fluorescence by the light of the light irradiation section
Data Source
AI summary
A water quality analysis system is calibrated without using any organic fluorescence material such as phenanthrene. The water quality analysis system analyzes a component to be measured contained in a liquid sample by a fluorescence spectroscopy, and that comprises a light irradiation section that irradiates the liquid sample with a light having an excitation wavelength of the component to be measured, a light detection section that detects a fluorescence of the component to be measured emitted from the liquid sample, a calculation unit that calculates a concentration of the component to be measured by using a fluorescence intensity obtained by the light detection section, and a solid fluorescence reference member that is arranged on an optical path between the light irradiation section and the light detection section and that emits the fluorescence by the light from the light irradiation section at a time of calibration.