SOLUTE CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS
First Claim
1. A method comprising, in combination providing:
- an exchange chamber;
a sensing chamber containing a compressible fluid;
a filter membrane configured to provide selective fluid communication between a sample solution and the exchange chamber when the filter membrane is in fluid communication with the sample solution, the filter membrane substantially impermeable to a solute contained in the exchange chamber;
a movable separator configured to separate the exchange chamber from the sensing chamber; and
a pressure sensor adapted to measure a pressure of the compressible fluid in the sensing chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A solute concentration measurement device is disclosed. The device may comprise a filter membrane, an exchange chamber, a sensing chamber, a separator, and a sensor. The device may be configured to be placed in fluid communication with a sample solution containing a solute and a solvent. The filter membrane may provide selective fluid communication between the solution and the exchange chamber. The separator may separate the exchange chamber from the sensing chamber and cause a change in a condition of the sensing chamber corresponding to a change of a condition of the exchange chamber. The sensor may sense the condition pertaining to the sensing chamber and calculate the concentration of the sample solution corresponding to this change.
25 Citations
4 Claims
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1. A method comprising, in combination providing:
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an exchange chamber; a sensing chamber containing a compressible fluid; a filter membrane configured to provide selective fluid communication between a sample solution and the exchange chamber when the filter membrane is in fluid communication with the sample solution, the filter membrane substantially impermeable to a solute contained in the exchange chamber; a movable separator configured to separate the exchange chamber from the sensing chamber; and a pressure sensor adapted to measure a pressure of the compressible fluid in the sensing chamber.
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2. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
providing a calibration sample of known concentration for determining an amount of solute in the exchange chamber.
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3. A method comprising:
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placing a solute concentration measurement device comprising a housing having disposed therein at least an exchange chamber, a sensing chamber containing a compressible fluid and having a pressure sensor adapted to measure a pressure of the compressible fluid, a filter membrane substantially impermeable to a solute in the exchange chamber and a movable separator disposed between the exchange chamber and the sensing chamber into fluid communication with a sample solution; measuring the pressure of the compressible fluid in the sensing chamber after allowing a solute concentration in the exchange chamber to equilibrate with a solute concentration in the sample solution; and using the measured pressure in the sensing chamber to calculate the concentration of the solute in the sample solution. - View Dependent Claims (4)
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Specification