GB2434861A - A method of indicating the presence of a material in a liquid storage system - Google Patents
A method of indicating the presence of a material in a liquid storage system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2434861A GB2434861A GB0701401A GB0701401A GB2434861A GB 2434861 A GB2434861 A GB 2434861A GB 0701401 A GB0701401 A GB 0701401A GB 0701401 A GB0701401 A GB 0701401A GB 2434861 A GB2434861 A GB 2434861A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- storage system
- liquid
- electromagnetic radiation
- indicating means
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000007850 fluorescent dye Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 5
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002455 scale inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 2
- ABLZXFCXXLZCGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorous acid Chemical class OP(O)=O ABLZXFCXXLZCGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003149 assay kit Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000012206 bottled water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012864 cross contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012895 dilution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010790 dilution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000020188 drinking water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100000252 nontoxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000003000 nontoxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000058 polyacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010802 sludge Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003826 tablet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
- G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
- G01N21/64—Fluorescence; Phosphorescence
- G01N21/6428—Measuring fluorescence of fluorescent products of reactions or of fluorochrome labelled reactive substances, e.g. measuring quenching effects, using measuring "optrodes"
- G01N21/643—Measuring fluorescence of fluorescent products of reactions or of fluorochrome labelled reactive substances, e.g. measuring quenching effects, using measuring "optrodes" non-biological material
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
- G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
- G01N21/64—Fluorescence; Phosphorescence
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Non-Biological Materials By The Use Of Chemical Means (AREA)
- Investigating, Analyzing Materials By Fluorescence Or Luminescence (AREA)
Abstract
A method of indicating the presence (or absence) of a material in a liquid storage system, especially a domestic water-filled central heating system is claimed. A light sensitive indicating means which is fluorescent when exposed to electromagnetic radiation e.g. UV radiation, is introduced into the system and subsequently exposed to electromagnetic radiation. Preferably, the light sensitive indicating means is a fluorescent dye which is combined with a liquid inhibitor or cleaner which may be introduced into the storage system. Subsequently a sample of liquid may be removed from the storage system and then tested under UV radiation to see if the fluorescent dye (and thus the additive or cleaner) is still present. In the case of the additive (e.g. an inhibitor), it would be the presence that would be sought whereas in the case of a cleaner it would be the absence.
Description
<p>The invention relates to an indicator or tagging' system which may be
used to detect the absence or presence of a component in a liquid, particularly water. The water may for example be held in static or circulatory storage e.g. in a closed' central heating system or a cold water supply such as a tank in domestic, commercial or large-scale installations.</p>
<p>From time to time it is advisable to clean central heating systems by passing through an aqueous solution of a cleaning chemical. Cleaner chemicals are typically added at concentration strengths of 1% where they are left in a functioning central heating system for a period of time. They are challenged with dissolving and dispersing corrosion debris, lime-scale, sludge and commissioning residues, generally known as deposits. After the prescribed period the cleaner and deposits must be dumped from the system, flushed, and fresh water introduced. Residual cleaner may also indicate that corrosion debris remains in the system and that sufficient flushing has not taken place. This can lead to problems in the future such as gassing, corrosion and noise.</p>
<p>At the end of the clean (prior to treatment with corrosion and scale inhibitor) the water quality should be as near as possible to the characteristics of the incoming mains' water. Determining this chemically can be time consuming and costly. Limiting the test to iron content or total dissolved solids (TDS) is a compromise but this requires the use of calibrated equipment and chemical reagents which can be hazardous.</p>
<p>Test kits do exist for determining the level of active ingredients from the cleaner such as phosphonates or polyacrylates but these tests are quite complicated. Furthermore as the active ingredients are consumed' during the cleaning process it doesn't automatically follow that sufficient flushing has taken place when testing for their presence (or absence). Tagging' could be achieved by adding a coloured dyestuff such as red or blue or green but these dyestuffs are not generally visually detectable at parts per million (PPM) or even parts per billion (PPB). PPM is the detection rate usually necessary to determine that the system is clean. (For example the system should contain less than 5 ppm of iron).</p>
<p>One object of this invention is to provide an easy to use testing system which can indicate the presence (or absence as the case may be) of such a chemical even at relatively small concentrations, that gives consistent results, has a wide range of applications and is cost-effective. Preferably what is necessary is a light sensitive indicating means or tag' which substantially totally disperses in the cleaner and thus the treated central heating system, but which plays no part in the cleaning process (i.e. it is not consumed) and which is not detrimental to the cleaning process (i.e. it is inert). Once energised with a light source, if present the indicator becomes visible.</p>
<p>According to one aspect of the present invention a method of indicating whether a material is present in a liquid storage system comprises introducing into the liquid contained therein a light sensitive indicating means which is fluorescent when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, and subsequently exposing the liquid to electromagnetic radiation.</p>
<p>According to a further aspect of the present invention a method of indicating whether a material is present in a liquid storage system comprises mixing with a liquid a light sensitive indicating means which is fluorescent when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, adding the mixture to the liquid in the storage system and subsequently exposing the liquid to electromagnetic radiation.</p>
<p>According to a preferred embodiment the liquid storage system comprises a water-filled central heating system, more preferably a domestic water-filled central heating system. The invention is particularly applicable to the treatment of water or dilute aqueous solutions. As will be appreciated, although a water-filled central heating system contains primarily water, it will usually be as a dilute aqueous solution containing additives such as corrosion and scale inhibitors, etc. The preferred electromagnetic radiation is UV light and this type of radiation will be</p>
<p>referred to in the description.</p>
<p>From time to time it is advisable to introduce a chemical into water contained in a central heating system e.g. an inhibitor to minimize corrosion/scaling. Subsequently it is useful to be able to check the continuing presence of the inhibitor so that the system continues to be protected. The problem is that it can be difficult to do this check. The present invention can be used to indicate whether the inhibitor is still present. This can be done by mixing the light sensitive indicating means with the inhibitor, then introducing this mixture into the system. Subsequently if a sample of water is removed from the system and exposed to LIV light then if the light sensitive indicating means is still present it will fluoresce (glow) and this would indicate the presence of the inhibitor. Alternatively the light sensitive indicating means may be added to the water in the system, before, simultaneously with, or after addition of the inhibitor.</p>
<p>Whilst the preceding paragraph is directed primarily to the use of an inhibitor as an additive there are other chemicals which may be introduced into such a system and these can also be tagged' according to the present invention. Furthermore it may be possible to use one coloured fluorescent dye to tag one additive and one or more fluorescent dyes of different colours to tag different additives.</p>
<p>The LIV light source may conveniently be in hand held portable form operated by mains and/or battery, preferably at least one rechargeable battery.</p>
<p>Wearing tinted glasses, e.g. yellow glasses, may accentuate the glow and make it easier to detect. Viewing the sample under UV light is preferably carried out away from natural sources of UV light, e.g. sunlight, as again this makes it easier to see the glow.</p>
<p>in one embodiment of the present invention a sample of liquid is removed from the main body of liquid and is then exposed to LIV light. For example, a sample may be drained off a central heating system into a container and then exposed to LIV light.</p>
<p>Knowing that a tag' was present at the start of the clean and that the recirculating process of cleaning will distribute the tags evenly around the systems means that the presence of the tag' can be tested for at the end. Obviously after a thorough clean and flush the tag' should not be found because the entire contents of the system will have been dumped to foul sewer and this will signal that the cleaning process has been successful and is complete. Preferably each test includes a control' i.e. a sample of mains water for comparison with the sample.</p>
<p>Preferably the light sensitive indicating means or tag' comprises a fluorescent dye that rapidly diffuses in water. An ultraviolet lamp (or other long-wave black light) can be used to trace the dye where normal visual detection is difficult due to significant over-dilution and where a conventional dye would be invisible to the naked eye.</p>
<p>The ability to detect fluorescent dyes at extremely low levels is achieved because they absorb certain wavelengths and emit visible light (red, orange, yellow, green, blue or white) in response, which has the characteristic of amplil'ing light, whereas a conventional colour dye merely reflects light.</p>
<p>Preferably the fluorescent dyes are biodegradable, non-toxic and meet international standards for use in drinking water in the event that there is cross-contamination with the potable water supply e.g. caused by failure of the heating coil within the hot water cylinder.</p>
<p>En a preferred embodiment the fluorescent dyestuff could be added to the cleaner or other additives at the time of manufacture. Accurate dosing with calibrated equipment may be achieved and a test method developed for the certificate of analysis to be absolutely sure of its presence and thus the user can rest assured of its efficacy.</p>
<p>Alternatively, concentrated fluorescent dyestuff could be added in the form of liquid, tablet or powder as a separate task during the cleaning process or whatever process is being carried out. The ability to measure accurately and the possible risk of spillage or omission are potential drawbacks with these alternatives.</p>
<p>It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination.</p>
Claims (1)
- <p>Claims: 1. A method of indicating whether a material is present in aliquid storage system comprises introducing into the liquid contained therein a fight sensitive indicating means which is fluorescent when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, and subsequently exposing the liquid to electromagnetic radiation.</p><p>2. A method according to Claim I in which the liquid storage system comprises a water-filled storage system.</p><p>3. A method according to Claim 2 in which the liquid storage system comprises a water-filled central heating system.</p><p>4. A method according to Claim 3 in which the liquid storage system comprises a domestic water-filled central heating system.</p><p>5. A method according to any preceding claim in which more than one light sensitive indicating means is introduced and each light sensitive indicating means fluoresces to a different colour when exposed to electromagnetic radiation.</p><p>6. A method according to any preceding claim in which the electromagnetic radiation is UV light.</p><p>7. A method according to any preceding claim in which a sample of liquid is removed from the storage system and then exposed to electromagnetic radiation.</p><p>8. A method according to any preceding claim in which the light sensitive indicating means is combined with a liquid additive and the additive is then introduced into the storage system.</p><p>9. A method according to any preceding claim in which the material whose presence is to be indicated comprises an inhibitor.</p><p>10. A method according to any preceding claim in which the material whose presence is to be indicated comprises a cleaner.</p><p>II. A method according to any preceding claim in which the light sensitive indicating means comprises a fluorescent dye which rapidly diffuses in water.</p><p>12. A method according to claim II and substantially herein described.</p>
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0602014.3A GB0602014D0 (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2006-02-01 | Indicator |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0701401D0 GB0701401D0 (en) | 2007-03-07 |
| GB2434861A true GB2434861A (en) | 2007-08-08 |
Family
ID=36100839
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0602014.3A Ceased GB0602014D0 (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2006-02-01 | Indicator |
| GB0701401A Withdrawn GB2434861A (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2007-01-25 | A method of indicating the presence of a material in a liquid storage system |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0602014.3A Ceased GB0602014D0 (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2006-02-01 | Indicator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB0602014D0 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2154267A3 (en) * | 2008-08-14 | 2012-04-25 | Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd | Apparatus for in-line testing of a chemical in a water containing system |
| WO2019020816A3 (en) * | 2017-07-28 | 2019-04-04 | Adey Holdings (2008) Limited | Measuring corrosion inhibitor concentration in central heating system water |
| US11768133B2 (en) | 2017-07-28 | 2023-09-26 | Adey Holdings (2008) Limited | Chemical testing |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1997035192A1 (en) * | 1996-03-21 | 1997-09-25 | Nalco Chemical Company | Fluorescent-tagged polymers for boiler internal treatment |
| US6255118B1 (en) * | 1997-06-11 | 2001-07-03 | Nalco Chemical Company | Method for using an all solid-state fluorometer in industrial water system applications |
| US20050025660A1 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-03 | Hoots John E. | Method of tracing corrosive materials |
-
2006
- 2006-02-01 GB GBGB0602014.3A patent/GB0602014D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2007
- 2007-01-25 GB GB0701401A patent/GB2434861A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1997035192A1 (en) * | 1996-03-21 | 1997-09-25 | Nalco Chemical Company | Fluorescent-tagged polymers for boiler internal treatment |
| US6255118B1 (en) * | 1997-06-11 | 2001-07-03 | Nalco Chemical Company | Method for using an all solid-state fluorometer in industrial water system applications |
| US20050025660A1 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-03 | Hoots John E. | Method of tracing corrosive materials |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2154267A3 (en) * | 2008-08-14 | 2012-04-25 | Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd | Apparatus for in-line testing of a chemical in a water containing system |
| WO2019020816A3 (en) * | 2017-07-28 | 2019-04-04 | Adey Holdings (2008) Limited | Measuring corrosion inhibitor concentration in central heating system water |
| CN111108382A (en) * | 2017-07-28 | 2020-05-05 | 阿迪控股(2008)有限公司 | Measuring the concentration of corrosion inhibitors in water of a central heating system |
| GB2565061B (en) * | 2017-07-28 | 2020-09-02 | Adey Holdings 2008 Ltd | Optical testing of central heating system water |
| US11480523B2 (en) | 2017-07-28 | 2022-10-25 | Adey Holdings (2008) Limited | Chemical testing device with a sample chamber having a piston therein with a chamber sealing element thereon |
| US11768133B2 (en) | 2017-07-28 | 2023-09-26 | Adey Holdings (2008) Limited | Chemical testing |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0602014D0 (en) | 2006-03-15 |
| GB0701401D0 (en) | 2007-03-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |