SBIR Phase I: Development of a Wireless pH Sensing Stir Bar

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目的更广泛影响涉及现代实验室和制造过程中传感，通信和控制无线技术的发展。 pH值是许多过程中的基本测量方法，该项目将使创建无线pH传感搅拌棒所涉及的技术进入原型阶段，准备过渡到制造阶段。它还将为开发无线传感能力提供技术基础，这将从根本上改变湿实验室的测量模式。无线传感和通信将允许现场测量，这在以前是不方便的，甚至是不可能的，以及远程监测和控制。这将提高实验室和制造环境中的质量、安全性、生产率和便利性。科学家和技术人员将受益于更容易的流程和数据获取。公司将受益于提高质量保证和产量成本节约。消费者将受益于食品、水、药品和医疗设备等斯台普斯的更好质量控制。拟议项目将开发一种无线pH和温度传感磁力搅拌棒，该搅拌棒将与基础化学工作站进行无线通信。该项目的目标是生产一个原型pH传感搅拌棒，准备过渡到制造。市场上还没有完全潜水的pH传感器，它将提供无与伦比的便利。技术障碍包括开发和整合搅拌棒的传感器和参考电极部分，设计一种可以在用于通信和电力的高射频场中进行感测的电子电路，以及将所有组件密封在完全潜水的形状因子中。将对定制感知电极和参比电极进行独立评价和测试。将设计电路并研究屏蔽选项。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves the evolution of wireless technologies for sensing, communication and control in modern laboratory and manufacturing processes. pH is a fundamental measurement in numerous processes and this project will bring the technology involved in creating a wireless pH sensing stir bar to the prototype stage, ready to be transitioned to manufacturing. It will also provide the technological foundation to develop wireless sensing capabilities that will fundamentally change the measurement paradigm in the wet laboratory. Wireless sensing and communication will allow for in situ measurements that have not been previously convenient or even possible as well as remote monitoring and control. This will increase quality, safety, productivity, and convenience in both laboratory and manufacturing environments. Scientists and technicians will benefit from easier processes and data acquisition. Companies will benefit from increased quality assurance and yield cost savings. Consumers will benefit from better quality control of staples such as food, water, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.The proposed project will develop a wireless pH and temperature sensing magnetic stir bar that will communicate wirelessly with a base chemical workstation. The goal of the project is to produce a prototype pH sensing stir bar that is ready to be transitioned to manufacturing. A completely submersible pH sensor is not available on the market and will provide unparalleled convenience. The technical hurdles involve developing and incorporating the sensor and reference electrode portions of the stir bar, designing an electronic circuit that can sense in a high rf field used for communication and power, and sealing all components in a completely submersible form factor. Custom sensing and reference electrodes will be evaluated and tested independently. Circuits will be designed and shielding options will be investigated. Sealing methods will be evaluated to protect the system from harsh environments.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.