DE102017127665A1 - Water analysis arrangement and method for its operation - Google Patents

Abstract

A water analysis arrangement (2) for a spectroscopy-based detection and / or measurement of at least one parameter of a water sample (20) has a radiation source (6), an optical device (10) which can be acted upon by the radiation source (6) and a sample receiver (18) for the recording of the water sample (20) as well as a detection device (12) stably mounted relative thereto for the detection of signals (So, Sa, St) which can be generated at the water sample (20). It is provided that the radiation source (6) comprises a semiconductor laser (14).

Description

The invention relates to a water analysis arrangement for the spectroscopic-based detection and / or measurement of parameters, including certain ingredients, a water sample according to claim 1 and a method for carrying out water analyzes with this water analysis arrangement. In this case, the water analysis arrangement has a radiation source, an optical device that can be acted upon by the radiation source, and a sample receptacle for receiving the water sample. In addition, the water analysis arrangement comprises a detection device stably mounted relative to the above-mentioned components for the detection and transmission of at least one signal that can be generated at the water sample.

There is currently a strong demand in the market for simple but accurate methods for measuring certain parameters of liquids, such as pool or pond water in particular. In known methods, the analysis of a liquid sample is usually carried out by means of an indicator which, when brought into contact with the medium to be tested, leads to certain reactions, such as color formation or color change. The color training can then be compared by the user with a scale of color values related to the parameter to be examined. Each color value represents a reference value which corresponds to a specific size value or size value range of the relevant parameter.

A disadvantage of this method is that the comparison of the color formation of the liquid sample with the reference values takes place solely according to the user's judgment, which can lead to widely differing results depending on the given lighting conditions and skills of the user.

Out DE 10 2015 100 395 A1 For example, a device for analyzing drinking water using a spectrometer is known. The device has in a housing between a light source and an optical arrangement with a plurality of lenses on a sample space, which can be filled via two fluid ports with a liquid sample.

The use of the spectrometer allows a reagent-free analysis of water samples. As a result, concentration information on various individual substances can be determined on the water samples without their pretreatment and without influencing the user.

A disadvantage of the known device is that the filling of the sample holder and the operation of the device is relatively cumbersome overall. In addition, the device is only partially suitable for mobile use due to their sensitive and costly design.

The object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages mentioned in a generic water analysis arrangement and to enable a simple and mobile use, in particular for the analysis of water samples from swimming pools and ponds.

This object is achieved by a water analysis device having the features of claim 1. In this case, the radiation source to a semiconductor laser or is formed by this. The semiconductor laser allows an accurate analysis of very small amounts of sample, whereby the sample holder itself can be made very small. In addition, the semiconductor laser itself can be provided even with very small dimensions and relatively stable structure. As a result, the water analysis arrangement can be easily integrated into an analysis system or a device, in particular a mobile measuring device, or used as an additional analysis module.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a laser light can be generated by means of the semiconductor that is in the range of infrared radiation. This makes it possible to use the water analysis arrangement for infrared spectroscopy, which offers a high degree of analysis accuracy, in particular in the mid-infrared range, with respect to several parameters, for example by considering the fundamental modes of different molecules. Together with multivariate evaluation methods, such as "partial least squares regression" (PLSR), it is thus possible to obtain quantitative concentrations and other information about predetermined individual substances from a sample spectrum.

It is advantageous if the semiconductor laser is formed by a quantum cascade laser. By using a quantum cascade laser, a stable radiation source can be made available which can emit high powers even at room temperature, in particular in the mid-infrared range. In addition, by the use of the quantum cascade laser easy handling, in particular a simple adjustment, and a quick exchange of the radiation source possible.

Advantageously, the optical device also has a crystal, wherein the sample receptacle is formed on one side of the crystal. The crystal can thus at least partially serve in addition to its function as an optical element at least partially to limit the sample recording. As a result, on the one hand a particularly compact Construction of the water analysis arrangement possible. At the same time possible interference during an analysis process can be minimized by the direct arrangement of the water sample on the crystal.

In addition, it is favorable if the detection device has optical, acoustic and / or thermal sensor means. As a result, depending on which parameters of the respective water sample are to be analyzed, alternatively or in addition to optical signals, it is also possible to detect acoustic or thermal signals which are generated, for example, during the absorption of the radiation emitted by the radiation source.

Advantageously, a memory module is provided in which, with regard to the signals that can be generated, to at least one of the parameters to be analyzed, a reference data record is stored which reproduces a signal characteristic in a predetermined examination area. The reference data set thus makes it possible to compare the signals detected during an analysis process in order to be able to derive therefrom a size value or size value range with respect to the parameter to be examined.

Furthermore, it is favorable if the at least one parameter to be examined is formed by a physical, chemical and / or biological property and / or a detection / concentration value of an ingredient and / or an organism. For example, the parameter here can consist of one of the values for active chlorine, for it only acid, pH, water hardness, nitrate and / or phosphate. As a result, the water analysis arrangement is particularly suitable for the analysis of water samples from swimming pools or ponds.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the radiation source, the optical device and the detection device are integrated in a measuring device, so that they can be used as a closed structural unit, in particular within a mobile measuring device.

It is advantageous in any case, if in addition a control electronics for the operation of the semiconductor laser is integrated into the measuring device. As a result, the analysis processes can be carried out independently of other devices solely by means of the measuring device.

Advantageously, an electronic evaluation module connected to the detection device is further integrated into the measuring device, whereby after completion of an analysis predecessor, the evaluation of the result can be carried out independently of other devices.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the measuring device is designed as a portable handheld device with a control input and a data output, so that the measuring device can be used in a mobile embodiment as a self-contained and independent unit.

In this case, it is favorable if the control input and the data output are formed by a touch-sensitive screen in order to allow a particularly compact design of the measuring device and a user-friendly control and evaluation.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the water analysis arrangement, the radiation source, the optical device and the detection device are integrated in a computer device, such as a PC, a tablet computer or a smartphone. In particular, when attaching the water analysis arrangement on a board, which is subsequently used in a commercially available computer device, thus a particularly cost-effective system for the analysis of water samples can be provided.

Alternatively, the radiation source, the optical device and the detection device are integrated into an in-line measuring device for stationary water quality testing of a swimming pool or a pond, whereby the water analysis device can be used for the permanent monitoring of the relevant water quality.

It is advantageous if the inline measuring system is connected to a metering device for the delivery of treatment agents, which can be controlled in dependence on the signals determined by the water analysis arrangement. In this way, the signals of the water sample determined by means of the water analysis arrangement can be used directly for setting a desired size or size range of the relevant parameter.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the water analysis arrangement, the radiation source, the optical device and the detection device are integrated in a portable measurement module which has an interface for connection to an electronic device. The electronic device can be formed in particular by a commercially available computer device, such as a PC, a tablet or a smartphone. In this way, the arrangement for the modular expansion of an existing electronic device can be used, wherein the control input and / or a data output of the computer device for Control and results output of the analyzes to be performed can be used.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the measuring module can be connected to an electronic device on which at least one application program for the operation of the semiconductor laser and / or for the processing of the signals determined by means of the detection device is stored. As a result, all the electronic control means required for the operation of the water analysis arrangement can be made available on a commercially available computer, whereby the actual measuring device can be manufactured in a particularly cost-effective manner.

Advantageously, the measuring module can be connected via an electronic plug-in connection with the computer designed as electronic device to ensure a stable physical and electronic connection between this and the measuring module. As a result, both devices can be handled as a structural unit.

Alternatively, the measuring module via a wireless connection to the electronic device or the computer is connected to connect, for example, a stationary mounted measuring module only as needed for control and / or evaluation of a conducted analysis with the electronic device.

Furthermore, the stated object is achieved by a method for carrying out a water analysis with a water analysis arrangement in one of the aforementioned embodiments, in which, in a first step, a water sample to be examined is taken up in the sample receiver. In a second step, the water sample is exposed to an infrared radiation from the radiation source via an optical device, and in a third step at least one signal of the water sample, which is generated by the infrared radiation and, for example, emitted again via the optical device, is detected by the detection device , In a fourth step, the at least one determined signal is compared with a reference data record which is stored for a parameter to be examined. In this case, the at least one detected signal is assigned to a size value / size value range. In a fifth step, the assigned size value / size value range is output at the data output. Such a procedure makes it possible to enter and analyze the water sample to be examined without pretreatment, in particular without exposure to reagents, in the sample receptacle. This makes a particularly quick and easy analysis of the water sample possible.

It is advantageous if, before the first step, the reference data record is created and stored by means of a plurality of calibration samples having known size values / size value ranges of the parameter to be determined, as a result of which the size values / size value range can be derived particularly accurately from the determined signals.

Furthermore, it is favorable if, depending on the ascertained size value / size value range, a water treatment device is controlled, as a result of which a desired size value / size value range can be set directly by means of the analysis results.

Advantageously, at least one treatment measure is displayed on the output device as a function of the ascertained size value / size value range. In this way, the user of the water analysis device in addition to the results of the respective analysis process additionally receives information regarding the possible action to be taken to set an appropriate value of the parameter in question.

• 1 eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Wasseranalyseanordnung,
• 2 eine Ansicht einer Messvorrichtung mit einer integrierten Wasseranalyseanordnung gemäß 1,
• 3 eine Ansicht eines Computergerätes mit einer integrierten Wasseranalyseanordnung gemäß 1,
• 4 eine Ansicht einer inline-Messanlage mit einer integrierten Wasseranalyseanordnung gemäß 1,
• 5 eine Ansicht eines an einem elektronischen Gerät anbringbaren Messmoduls mit einer integrierten Wasseranalyseanordnung gemäß 1,
• 6 eine Ansicht des Messmoduls gemäß 5 mit einer alternativ ausgeformten Schnittstelle,
• 7 eine Ansicht des Messmoduls gemäß 5 mit einer weiteren alternativ ausgeformten Schnittstelle und
• 8 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Durchführung einer Wasseranalyse mittels der Wasseranalyseanordnung gemäß 1.

In the figures, an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. Show it:

• 1 a view of a water analysis arrangement according to the invention,
• 2 a view of a measuring device with an integrated water analysis according to 1 .
• 3 a view of a computer device with an integrated water analysis arrangement according to 1 .
• 4 a view of an in-line measuring system with an integrated water analysis arrangement according to 1 .
• 5 a view of attachable to an electronic device measuring module with an integrated water analysis arrangement according to 1 .
• 6 a view of the measuring module according to 5 with an alternatively shaped interface,
• 7 a view of the measuring module according to 5 with another alternatively formed interface and
• 8th a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for carrying out a water analysis by means of the water analysis arrangement according to 1 ,

1 shows a water analysis arrangement 2 with a warehouse 4 at which a radiation source 6 , an optical device 10 which essentially consists of a crystal 8th consists, as well as a detection device 12 are held. The radiation source 6 has a semiconductor laser 14 , in particular a quantum cascade laser, by means of which a laser light L can be generated. The laser light L is preferably in the range of infrared radiation and is on the crystal 8th directed.

The crystal 8th forms on an upper side 16 a sample holder 18 , at a water sample 20 can be taken, which is taken for example from a swimming pool or a pond. By the impingement of the crystal 8th and the water sample arranged thereon 20 with the laser light L can signal here S are generated, in particular optical signals So , acoustic signals Sat. or thermal signals St ,

To the by the radiation source 6 caused signals So . Sat. . St to be able to detect, has the detection device 12 optical, acoustic and / or thermal sensor means do . There . dt on. These are in turn with an evaluation electronics AE connected, for example, a memory module 22 having. In this memory module 22 are several reference records R1 . R2 . R3 stored, each with respect to a parameter to be examined the water sample 18 a signal characteristic with respect to one of the signals S depict. The relevant parameter can be a physical, chemical and / or biological property or size. Furthermore, the parameter may form a detection / concentration value of an ingredient and / or an organism. Preferably, the parameter to be analyzed is selected from the values of active chlorine, cyanuric acid, pH, water hardness, nitrate or phosphate.

For controlling the radiation source 6 is also an electronic control system SE intended. Both the control electronics SE as well as the evaluation electronics AE can also be in stock 4 be held as in 1 shown.

2 shows the water analysis arrangement 2 when used in a measuring device designed, for example, as a portable hand-held device 24 , wherein the water analysis arrangement 2 in a housing 26 the measuring device 24 is arranged. The control electronics SE and the evaluation electronics AE are not in stock in this embodiment 4 the water analysis arrangement 2 but on an electronics module 26 the rest of the measuring device 24 intended. In addition, the measuring device has a control input 28 and a data output 30 on, both exemplified by a touch-sensitive display 32 to be generated.

In the embodiment according to 3 is the water analysis arrangement 2 in a preferably portable computer device 34 , such as one PC , a tablet computer or a smartphone, integrated. This is the water analysis arrangement 2 together with the evaluation electronics AE and the control electronics SE, for example, on a circuit board 36 attached as a retrofittable electronic component in a computer case 38 of the computer device 34 can be installed. As control input 28 and data output 30 This can be the display and the keyboard of the computer device 34 which is also exemplified by a touch-sensitive display 32 generated by the computing device. Alternatively, of course, any other known and suitable computer keyboard and display can be used

4 shows a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the water analysis arrangement 2 in an inline measuring system 40 is integrated. This has a metering device 42 on, by means of the controlled release of treatment agents 44 in a water-bearing pipe 46 he follows. This can be analyzed by water from the pipe 46 removed and via a controllable first valve 48 an analysis room 50 be fed to the sample holder 18 is formed depending on the result of one by means of the water analysis arrangement 2 In this case, the analysis performed can be the delivery of the treatment agent 44 into the water-bearing pipe 46 via a second valve 52 be controlled, the at the metering device 42 is provided.

In the further embodiment of the invention according to the 5-7 are the semiconductor laser 14 , the optical device 10 and the detection device 12 each within a portable measurement module 54 arranged. The measuring module 54 can each with an electronic device 56 , in particular a commercially available computer, such as in the form of a personal computer, tablet computer or smartphone, are connected. For this purpose, the measuring module 54 one to the electronic device 56 adapted interface 58 to the electronic connection, through a plug 60 according to 5 , a connection cable 62 according to 6 or a wireless connection module 64 how, for example, a W-LAN, Bluetooth or other radio module can be formed.

In all embodiments, while the control electronics SE and / or the evaluation electronics AE on the measuring module 54 be provided. Alternatively or in addition thereto, at least one of these electronic components can also be used in computer electronics 66 of the electronic device 56 be integrated. For this purpose can in the 5 to 7 represented, for example, an application program AP in a memory module of the computer electronics 66 be stored by means of this for the program implementation of the evaluation electronics AE and / or the control electronics SE is set up.

Carrying out the water analysis by means of the water analysis device 2 is always carried out as follows:

In a first step S1 becomes the water sample to be examined 20 in the sample holder 18 added. In a second step S2 becomes the laser light L of the semiconductor reader 14 on the crystal 8th directed, passing over this the water sample 20 applied in the infrared range. This will be signals S generated, for example, in turn, over the crystal 8th delivered and by means of the detection device 12 in a third step S3 detected and to the evaluation electronics AE be signaled. Here, in a fourth step, the comparison of the determined signals with the stored reference data records R1 . R2 . R3 which each map a signal characteristic with respect to a parameter to be examined. In this way, the determined signals can each be assigned to a size value / size value range of the parameter. In a fifth step, the output of the ascertained size value or size value range then takes place at the data output 30 ,

Before carrying out this analysis procedure, the reference data sets R1 . R2 . R3 are created and stored by means of several calibration samples, which each have a known size value or size range in terms of the parameter to be determined, such as a certain concentration.

After determining the size value / size value range of the desired parameter, the determined value can additionally be used to control a water treatment device as a function of the determined values. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the determined size value / size value range, at least one treatment measure can also be displayed on the output device.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102015100395 A1 [0004]

Claims (23)

Water analysis arrangement (2) for a spectroscopy-based detection and / or measurement of at least one parameter of a water sample (20) with a radiation source (6), an optical device (10) which can be acted upon by the radiation source (6) and a sample receiver (18) for the Receiving the water sample (20) and with a detection device (12) stably mounted thereon for the detection of at least one signal (So, Sa, St) which can be generated on the water sample (20), characterized in that the radiation source (6) is a semiconductor laser (14). Water analysis arrangement after Claim 1 , characterized in that by means of the semiconductor laser (14) laser light (L) can be generated, which is in the range of infrared radiation. Water analysis arrangement after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the semiconductor laser (14) is formed by a quantum cascade laser. Water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the optical device (10) comprises a crystal (8) and the sample holder (18) on one side (16) of the crystal (8) is provided. Water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the detection device (12) comprises optical sensor means (Do), acoustic sensor means (Da) and / or thermal sensor means (Dt). Water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that a memory module (22) is provided, in which with respect to the at least one producible signal (So; Sa; St) to at least one parameter to be examined, a reference data set (R1; R2; R3) is deposited. Water analysis arrangement after Claim 6 , characterized in that the at least one parameter to be examined is formed by a physical, chemical and / or biological property and / or a detection / concentration value of an ingredient and / or an organism. Water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the optical device (10) and the detection device (12) are integrated together with the semiconductor laser (14) in a measuring device (24). Water analysis arrangement after Claim 8 , characterized in that further comprises a control electronics (SE) for operating the semiconductor laser (14) in the measuring device (24) is integrated. Water analysis arrangement after Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that further connected to the detection device (12) electronic evaluation module (AE) in the measuring device (24) is integrated. Water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 8 to 9 , characterized in that the measuring device (24) is designed as a portable handheld device with a control input (28) and a data output (30). Water analysis arrangement after Claim 11 , characterized in that the control input (28) and the data output (30) are formed by a touch-sensitive display (32). Water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the radiation source (6), the optical device (10) and the detection device (12) are integrated in a computer device (34). Water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the radiation source (6), the optical device (10) and the detection device (12) in an in-line measuring system (40) are integrated. Water analysis arrangement after Claim 14 , characterized in that the inline measuring system (40) with a metering device (42) for the delivery of treatment agents (44) is connected, in response to the detected by the detection device (12) signals (So, Sa, St) controllable is. Water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the radiation source (6), the optical device (10) and the detection device (12) are integrated in a portable measuring module (54) having an interface (58) for connection to an electronic device (56) , Water analysis arrangement after Claim 16 , characterized in that the measuring module (54) is connectable to a computer, on which at least one application program (AP) for the operation of the semiconductor laser (14) and / or for the processing of the detection means (12) detected signals (So, Sa, St) is stored. Water analysis arrangement after Claim 17 , characterized in that the measuring module (54) via an electronic plug (60) is connectable to the computer. Water analysis arrangement after Claim 17 , characterized in that the measuring module (54) via a wireless connection to the computer is connectable. A method for carrying out a water analysis with a water analysis arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 19 wherein in a first step (S1) the water sample (20) to be examined is taken up in the sample receiver (18), characterized in that in a second step (S2) the water sample (20) is irradiated by the radiation source (6) with infrared radiation In a third step (S3), the at least one signal generated by the infrared radiation (So; Sa; St) is determined by the detection device (12), in a fourth step (S4) the at least one determined signal (So; St) are compared with a reference data set (R1; R2; R3) and assigned to a size value / size value range of a parameter to be examined. in a fifth step (S5) the assigned size value / size value range is output at the data output (30). Method according to Claim 20 , characterized in that prior to the first step (S1), the reference data set (R1; R2; R3) is created and stored by means of a plurality of calibration samples having known size values / size value ranges of the parameter to be analyzed. Method according to Claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that a water treatment device is controlled as a function of the determined size value / size value range. Method according to Claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that depending on the determined size value / size value range at least one treatment measure is displayed on the output device.

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