X-ray Fluorescence Tube Mount for Electroplating Bath Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sampling and analysis of metal content in electroplating baths is time-consuming and costly, necessitating an improved method for continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for online X-ray fluorescence analysis that allows direct, continuous monitoring of chemical fluid baths by integrating a tube holder with multiple channels connected to the bath, enabling X-ray analysis without manual sampling, using a movable hose holder and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to analyze fluid flowing through a bypass line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling and analysis is used to monitor metal content in electroplating baths, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by circulating bath solution through a flow cell that enables uninterrupted X-ray fluorescence analysis. The pump system maintains continuous fluid flow through the measurement chamber, eliminating the need for discrete manual sampling and enabling real-time composition tracking of electroplating baths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with an automated X-ray fluorescence analysis system. The spectrometer uses electromagnetic radiation (X-rays) to excite atoms in the flowing solution, generating fluorescence signals that are detected and analyzed electronically, substituting manual extraction and laboratory analysis with non-contact spectral measurement.
2Measurement precision
If manual sampling is performed at regular intervals to control metal ion content, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but loss of time increases due to frequent sampling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-through measurement system enables continuous analysis without interruption to the electroplating process. Solution circulates continuously through the measurement chamber while the X-ray source and detector operate continuously, providing real-time data on metal ion concentrations without requiring periodic shutdowns or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring by automatically circulating bath solution through the measurement chamber and continuously analyzing its composition. The pump, flow cell, and spectrometer work together in an autonomous system that requires no manual sampling operations, with the bath solution itself serving as the sample medium in the flow cell.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple samples are taken and analyzed separately to monitor bath composition, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sampling points and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell serves multiple functions: it acts as a sample introduction system, a measurement chamber, and a flow control element simultaneously. The single integrated system can analyze multiple elements in the bath solution (zinc, nickel, fluorine, etc.) using one X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, eliminating the need for separate sampling devices and analysis equipment for different parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sampling system, flow control system, and analysis system into a single integrated unit. The pump, tubing, flow cell, and spectrometer are merged into one continuous analysis pathway, consolidating what would traditionally require separate sampling devices, containers, and analysis instruments into a unified flow-through measurement system.
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, automated, and efficient analysis of multiple chemical fluid baths without interrupting the process, reducing manual intervention and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer emits a primary X-ray beam into the sample holder, exciting atoms of the fluid being sampled. The excited atoms emit material-characteristic fluorescence radiation in the X-ray range
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention provides a device (1) and a method for online x-ray fluorescence analysis of a chemical fluid from at least one chemical fluid bath (100). The device comprises a housing (2), a sample holder and an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer (3), which provides a beam path comprising an input beam (S1) into the sample holder and an output beam (S2) of emitted x-ray radiation from the sample holder, the input and the output beams (S1, S2) spanning a beam path plane (S). The sample holder is a tube mount (10) having a plurality of channels (11), each for a tube (4) that is fluidically connected to the chemical fluid bath (100). The channels (11) are arranged adjacently to one another in a tube plane (E) that is orthogonal to the beam path plane (S), the tube mount (10) having a beam path window (12) at each of the channels (11), said beam path window being arrangeable in relation to the beam path plane (S) such that the input and the output beams (S1, S2) cross the beam path window (12).