IMPLEMENTATION OF A PORTABLE WATER TESTING KIT WITH ADVANCED SENSING AND FORECASTING CAPABILITIES

Abstract

Implementation of a Portable Water Testing Kit with Advanced Sensing and Forecasting Capabilities Abstract: This project presents an innovative, portable chlorine level detection system for real-time water quality monitoring. The system employs a 523 nm green laser and a TSL235R light-to-frequency sensor to measure chlorine content in water samples. An Arduino UNO serves as the control hub, processing data from the chlorine detection mechanism and a TDS sensor. The system utilizes DPD tablets for chlorine reaction and a feature extraction module to capture critical data. A linear regression model correlates sensor data to chlorine levels, ensuring accurate detection as low as 0.2 mg/l. The device includes a waterproof enclosure for durability and a custom lithium-ion battery for 24-hour operation. Real-time processing allows for instant feedback through a user-friendly display interface. This comprehensive solution empowers individuals to conduct precise water testing in various environments, promoting safer drinking water practices and environmental sustainability, particularly in rural areas where immediate water safety assessment is crucial.

Specification

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
PROVISIONAL/COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION -

2. APPLICANT(S)
(a) NAME:
(b) NATIONALITY:
(c) ADDRESS:
SRI SAI RAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE
INDIAN
Sri Sai Ram Engineering College,
Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram,
Chennai - 600044
(a) NAME:
(b) NATIONALITY:
(c) ADDRESS:
04-fJov-2024/132592/202441084026/Form 2(Title Page)
a) NAME:
b) NATIONALITY:
c) ADDRESS:
a) NAME:
b) NATIONALITY:
c) ADDRESS:
a) NAME:
b) NATIONALITY:
c) ADDRESS:
SRIKANTH VT
INDIAN
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,
Sri Sai Ram Engineering College,
Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram,
Chennai-600044.
KAN1SH RB
INDIAN
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,
Sri Sai Ram Engineering
College,
Sai Leo Nagar, West
Tambaram,
Chennai-600044.
SRI RAMAN M
INDIAN
Department of. Computer Science Engineering,
Sri Sai Ram Engineering College,
Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram.
Chennai-600044.
ABIRAMI S
INDIAN
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,
Sri Sai Ram Engineering College,
Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram,
Chennai-600044.

a)
NAME: ASHWIN A
b)
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
c)
ADDRESS: Department of Computer Science Engineering
Sri Sai Ram Engineering College,
Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram, Chennai-600044.
a)
NAME:. . . ROSHNIJ
b)
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
c)
ADDRESS: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,
Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram, Chennai-600044.
(a)
NAME: Dr.UMAMAHESHWARAN S K
(b)
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
(c)
ADDRESS: Professor,
Department of Mathematics,
Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram, Chennai-600044.
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
PROVISIONAL
The-following specification describes invention.
COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
4. DESCRIPTION (Description shall start from next page) Annexed along with this form.
5. CLAIMS (not applicable for provisional specification. Claims should start with the preamble - :'I/We claim" on separate page) Annexed along with this form.
6. DATE AND SIGNATURE (to be given on the last page of specification) Given at the end of specifications.
7. ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION (to be given along with complete specification on the separate page)
Given at the end of specifications.
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Implementation of a Portable Water Testing Kit with Advanced Sensing and Forecasting Capabilities
04-Mov-2024/132592/202441084026/Form 2(Title Page)
Field of Invention
The current invention relates to the group of water quality analysis and monitoring systems, particularly the devices for the real-time detection and quantification of chlorine concentration and total dissolved solids (TDS) in water. The invention will include sensor technologies, embedded system technologies, and predictive modeling principles for portable, user-friendly, and cost- effective kit to test water quality. It particularly applies to fields such as environmental monitoring, public health safety, and water treatment processes, particularly focusing on improving the assessment of water quality in rural and under-served communities.

Background
[ljFarkhanda Abbas, Zhihua Cai, Muhammad Shoaib, Javed Iqbal, Muhammad Ismail, Arifullah, Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei, and Mohammed Fahad Albeshr collaborated on an innovative study addressing groundwater quality in Mirpurkhas, Pakistan. They collected and analyzed over 400 water samples from local wells, examining various chemical properties. Their approach combined traditional field sampling with advanced machine learning techniques to predict water quality. The researchers tested several computer models, finding Random Forest and Gradient Boosting particularly effective. To ensure reliability, they applied rigorous statistical tests to their predictions. This method could help local authorities identify water quality problems more efficiently than traditional testing alone. The study represents a smart blend of field work and data analysis that could be applied in other regions facing similar water quality challenges. It offers a more proactive approach to managing water resources and protecting public health in areas reliant on groundwater.

[2]
Jyotirmaya Ijaradar and Subhasish Chatterjee have said that their paper presents a real-time water quality monitoring system designed for residential homes. The system uses a Raspberry Pi, sensors, and an analog-to-digital converter to measure water quality parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity. They argue that traditional water testing methods are costly and lack real-time capabilities, while their system provides timely data and warnings through a web-based portal and mobile platforms (rRJET-V5I3265).

[3]
Neeta S. Pingle and Satish B. Jadhav's project focuses on developing an automatic water quality measurement and reporting system based on GSM technology. They highlight the growing concern of water contamination, especially in India, and propose a solution that eliminates the need for manual water sampling and lab analysis. Their system uses a PIC microcontroller and various sensors (pH, turbidity, temperature, and conductivity) to monitor water quality in real time. The collected data is processed by the microcontroller and sent to a monitoring center via SMS through a GSM module. If any abnormal water quality levels are detected, alerts are sent simultaneously to the monitoring center and management. This system offers a more efficient, accurate, and low-cost solution to water quality monitoring, with potential flexibility for expansion into other areas like air pollution monitoring.

[4]
Putu Eka Widya Pratama. Elen Anjelina Siahaan, Safira Firdaus Mujiyanti, Muhammad Tsabit Algifary, and Putri Yeni Aisyah have said that they designed and implemented a novel pH and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) monitoring system for drinking water. The authors state that they created a prototype using an Arduino Uno microcontroller, a pH-4502C sensor, and a TDS SEN0244 sensor to measure and display pH and TDS values of gallon drinking water. They report achieving an average accuracy of 98.86% for the pH sensor and 98.64% for the TDS sensor. The system was tested on both closed and open gallon water samples, showing that open gallon water had increased pH and TDS levels over time. The authors conclude that their monitoring system successfully provides information about the quality of gallon drinking water based on pH and TDS measurements.

Summary
This is the portable chlorine detection system for real-time monitoring of water quality, using a 532nm green laser light and a TSL235R light-to-frequency sensor. It measures the concentrations of chlorine in water through the color change caused by the reaction between chlorine and DPD tablets added into the water, reading the absorbed light from this reaction. This data is then fed to the Arduino UNO to process, which, as a perk, even runs a linear regression model that predicts chlorine levels down to 0.2 mg/l according to the BIS 10500:2012 standards.

This system is equipped with an incorporated TDS sensor to provide accurate profiling of water purity, and maintains accuracy over time, as it uses self-calibration. The customized lithium-ion battery ensures that the system can run for up to 24 hours; components are placed in a waterproof enclosure for field usage. Results are delivered real-time through a user-friendly interface that can portray chlorine concentrations and compliance to safety standards.

This device is designed for use in villages to make available testing of water easily and accurately for improved public health and safety.

Objectives

The proposed system would target the formulation of a highly precise water treatment residual chlorine detection system so that people in these areas could determine their level of water purity. Such an initiative can help resolve the need for pure drinking water. The need for safe drinking water is considered to be one of the most pressing issues in many underprivileged communities.

"Unlike the conventional methods, which normally demand technical or evenlaboratory expertise, this water kit is designed to be simple and anyone can use it with minimal technical experience. The fundamental characteristic of the system is its ability to provide accuracy corresponding to laboratory-scale for the measurement of chlorine in water. It is compliant with BIS 10500: 2012.

At its center, the system holds a high-tech technological framework that features a 532nm green laser diode along with a TSL235R. light-to-frequcncy converter; this kit is able to detect minute variances in chlorine concentration. Self-calibrating algorithms enable the kit to get as close as possible toward continuing'precision while reducing the amount of user calibration necessary, so it will therefore remain a reliable tool over time.

It can also depend on the real-time analysis capabilities of the system. Since water safety analysis is needed at this point for immediate attention, especially in rural areas where minutes can make an immense difference with health impact, this chlorine-detecting kit was designed for fast detection yet accurate. Low latency with high sensitivity to even the smallest quantities of chlorine is important to its performance and ensures direct feedback to the quality of water being tested.

Adaptability is another characteristic of the system. The testing kit is supposed to work well under different environmental conditions, with temperatures and humidity, to be resistant and reliable even in the most challenging settings. Its design allows for a friendly interface and 24-hour battery life, which adds to the practicality as a resource for those with limited access to it.

By integrating all these diverse components, the kit for testing water aims not only to be as cheap, mobile, and feasible for the detection of chlorine but also to contribute to initiatives of public health by providing safe drinking water. More fundamentally, this project aims at improving the health of the rural community through appropriate access to measurement of water quality.

Brief Descriptions of Drawings:
Figure 1 - Hardware Flow of chlorine detecting kit
Figure 1 shows the process for detecting chlorine levels in water using a testing kit. First, a water sample is placed into the kit, where a TDS sensor measures the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water. The system then emits light, and the initial wavelength (X) of the water is measured without any DPD tablets. Afterward, a DPD tablet is added to the water, which reacts with the chlorine'and changes the color of the water. The kit measures the"new wavelength with the DPD reaction, and the difference between the initial and final wavelengths is used to calculate the chlorine content using a linear regression formula: y = m(a-b)+c. The calculated chlorine level is then displayed on an LCD screen.

Figure 2 - Software Flow of Chlorine detecting kit
Figure 2 outlines the development of a machine learning model for predicting chlorine levels. Initially, the data is divided into two sets: 80% for training and 20% for testing. A linear regression model is constructed using the training data through machine learning techniques. The test data is then utilized for cross-validation to assess the model's performance. Once trained, the model generates predictions for chlorine levels (Y values). These predictions are subsequently evaluated to determine the model's accuracy. This comprehensive process ensures the model can reliably predict chlorine levels from the input data, providing a robust tool for water quality assessment. The methodology allows for continuous improvement and validation of the predictive capabilities, ultimately leading to more accurate and dependable chlorine level forecasts in various water systems.

Figure 3 - 3D model of the personalized testing kit
Figure 3 presents the 3D model of the Chlorine Detection System, showcasing its compact and user- friendly design. The system is engineered to facilitate real-time monitoring of chlorine levels in drinking water, ensuring public health and safety.

The model features an integrated detection chamber where water samples are placed for analysis. The vertical section contains a DPD tablet dispenser, which initiates the colorimetric reaction necessary for chlorine detection. Once the DPD tablet is added, the green laser light (532 nm) is directed through the sample, interacting with the chlorine present in the water.

A TSL235R light-to-frequency sensor is embedded within the design to measure variations in light intensity caused by the reaction. The system's core, powered by an Arduino Nano, processes these input signals to provide immediate feedback on chlorine levels.

The front panel of the model includes a digital display, presenting users with the detected chlorine concentration and status indicators to ensure compliance with safety standards. User-friendly buttons allow for easy operation, enabling individuals to conduct tests efficiently.

Additionally, the device is housed in a robust, waterproof enclosure, ensuring durability and portability for field use. This design makes the Chlorine Detection System suitable for deployment in rural areas, where access to safe drinking water remains a critical challenge.

Figure 4 - Prototype of Chlorine Detection System
Figure 4 shows the prototype setup of the Chlorine Detection System, with key components labeled for clarity. This prototype demonstrates the system's functionality, providing a visual overview of how the components work together to measure chlorine levels in water.

Switch: This allows the user to power the system on or off, providing control over the operation.
LCD Display: The display is used to show real-time readings of chlorine concentration and system status, making it easy for users to monitor results.

TDS Meter: This component is used to measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water, complementing the chlorine detection to ensure overall water quality.

Test Tube: The water sample is placed in the test tube where the chlorine analysis takes place.
ADC (Analog to Digital Converter): Converts the analog signals from the sensors into digital data that can be processed by the Arduino for accurate readings.

Arduino UNO: The core processing unit that collects data from various sensors (like the TSL235R.) and performs calculations to detect chlorine levels.

TSL235R Light-to-Frequency Sensor: This sensor measures the intensity of the light passing through the sample after the DPD reaction to detect chlorine concentration.

LED Light: Provides illumination within the test tube for clearer detection and interaction-between light and the sample during analysis.

This prototype is designed to simulate real-world functionality and test the system's capacity io measure chlorine accurately, with each component serving a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of the system.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
Chlorine Level Detection System:
Chlorine level detection is at the core of this system, which allows real-time water quality monitoring. This chlorine detection system operates by utilizing a 523nm green LASER LIGHT as the light source and a TSL235R light-to-frequency sensor to measure the chlorine content in water samples. When the water sample is first placed inside the system, the laser light passes through the sample, and the sensor-records the baseline light frequency of the clear water. This initial measurement provides the system with a reference for comparison.

After the DPD tablet is added to the water, it reacts with any chlorine present, causing a color change. This change affects how the light travels through the sample. The TSL235R sensor detects the shift in the light frequency resulting from this color change. The difference between the initial and postreaction wavelengths is directly related to the chlorine concentration in the water.

The TSL235R sensor then converts these frequency shifts into digital signals, which are processed by the Arduino UNO. Using this data, along with the values from the TDS sensor, the system runs a linear regression model to predict the chlorine level in the water. By analyzing light wavelength variations, the system ensures precise chlorine detection, even in small amounts, providing real-time, reliable water quality monitoring. Achieving low latency and ensuring the system's sensitivity to minimal chlorine levels (as low as 0.2 mg/l as per BIS 10500:2012) is critical for practical deployment, particularly in rural areas where immediate water safety assessment is crucial.

In essence, this chlorine detection system empowers individuals to conduct precise water testing in a user-friendly, portable manner, promoting safer drinking water practices and environmental sustainability.

Components and Explanation
1. Arduino UNO:
The Arduino UNO is the control hub of this system, orchestrating sensor inputs and processing the chlorine level data. Based on the ATmega328P microcontroller, the UNO is a compact and versatile board known for its compatibility with various sensors and low-power operations, making it ideal for this water testing solution.

Key Pin Configurations:
a. Digital Pins (D0-D13):
- Used for the system's inpul/output operations, managing the connections with external devices and sensors.
b. Analog Pins (A0-A7):
- These pins play a critical role in reading analog voltage levels, especially for signals coming from the sensors that measure water properties like TDS and chlorine reaction.
c. Power Pins:
- 5V and 3.3V provide power to external sensors.
- GND establishes the system's ground reference for stable operations.
- Vin allows the system to connect to an external power supply.

By using the Arduino UNO, the system ensures low -power consumption, portability, and the ability to process chlorine sensor data efficiently.

2.
TDS Sensor:The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor plays an essential role in assessing water quality, which is fundamental for accurate chlorine detection. It measures the concentration of dissolved particles in water, providing an initial reference for water purity before chlorine testing. The TDS sensor outputs voltage signals that are proportional to the dissolved solid concentration, which is processed by the Arduino UNO to establish a baseline for chlorine detection.
- Measurement Range: 0-500 ppm
- Output: Analog voltage based on TDS concentration

3. DPD Reagent and Laser System:
The system utilizes a DPD tablet that reacts with chlorine in the water to produce a color change, which is then measured using a green laser (532nm). This laser beam interacts with the water sample, and the amount of light absorbed or transmitted is detected by the TSL sensor. The light intensity variation corresponds to the chlorine concentration in the water sample.
- Green Laser (532nm): Detects light intensity variation after the reaction.
- TSL Sensor: Measures the light intensity for precise chlorine concentration calculation.

4. Feature Extraction Module:
The feature extraction module plays a vital role in the chlorine detection system by capturing and processing critical data from both the TDS sensor and the laser-based chlorine detection mechanism. This process begins with measuring key parameters such as light absorption and intensity variations when the 532nm green laser passes through the raw water sample and the water sample treated with the DPD tablet. These light intensity changes correlate with the chlorine concentration in the water. The extracted features are processed by a linear regression model, which correlates the sensor data to specific chlorine levels, enhancing accuracy.

5. Real-Time Processing:
The system operates in real-time, utilizing the Arduino UNO's processing power to analyze sensor inputs and generate instant feedback. The predictive model, running on the microcontroller, is capable of mapping sensor data to chlorine levels and presenting the results on a digital display, enabling users to assess water quality without delay. Additionally, real-time calibration ensures the system's accuracy after every test cycle.

6. Power Module:
The power module of the system is designed for energy efficiency and portability. A custom-designed lithium-ion battery powers the entire device, with a USB-rechargeable feature ensuring 24 hours of uninterrupted operation after a full charge. This rechargeable power supply ensures the system's long-lasting use in diverse environments, including rural areas where electrical power may be limited.

7. Waterproof Enclosure:
The hardware components are housed in a waterproof enclosure to ensure durability and protection from environmental conditions. This design ensures the system's functionality in wet conditions and extends its lifespan, making it suitable for field testing and remote locations.

8. Translation and Display Module:
Once chlorine levels are detected, the data is processed and presented to the user through a clear and intuitive display interface. The user can view the detected chlorine concentration, along with status indicators that specify whether the water meets safety standards. The display system may also provide auditory feedback, ensuring users of all backgrounds can understand the results.

Working of testing kit:
1. Powering On and Initial Setup
• The user powers on the device using the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides portable functionality.
• A reference sample of plain water is placed in the testing chamber to establish the baseline reading for comparison.

II. Baseline Measurement
• The TDS sensor measures the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the reference water sample to create a baseline for later chlorine measurements. This helps in distinguishing the natural dissolved solids from chlorine content.
• The baseline value is recorded by the Arduino UNO microcontroller for future calculations and analysis.

III. Introducing the DPD Tablet
• A DPD (Diethyl-p-phenylene-diamine) tablet is added to the water sample. The DPD tablet reacts with chlorine in the water, causing a color change that is directly related to the concentration of chlorine.
• After adding the DPD tablet, the user waits for a few seconds to allow the color reaction to develop.

TV. Laser-Based Detection
• A 532nm green laser is directed through the water sample in the testing chamber. This specific wavelength is chosen to interact with the color change caused by the chlorine-DPD reaction.
• The TSL sensor is positioned to detect the light intensity of the laser after it passes through the sample. Changes in light absorption (due to the color change) correlate with chlorine levels in the water.
• The TSL sensor outputs an analog signal representing the intensity of the transmitted light, which is influenced by the chlorine concentration.

V. Data Processing and Analysis
• The Arduino uno microcontroller collects the processed data from the sensors and applies a pre-programmed linear regression model.
• The linear regression model compares the current sensor readings to the baseline and known chlorine concentration values. It calculates the precise chlorine concentration in the water sample.

VI. Real-Time Display of Results
• The calculated chlorine concentration is displayed on the device's output screen in real time, providing immediate feedback to the user.
© The display shows the chlorine levels in milligrams per liter (mg/L), allowing the user to determine if the water is safe or if further treatment is required.
• If the chlorine level exceeds a predefined safety threshold, an alert system can notify the user via a visual or auditory signal.

VII. Turning Off the Device
• Once testing is complete, the user can power off the device.

Advantages:
• The chlorine detection system utilizes advanced 532nni green laser diode and TSL235R light- to-frequency converter technology, ensuring unparalleled accuracy across a wide range of chlorine concentrations.
• The system provides comprehensive water quality analysis, including TDS, conductivity, and salinity measurements, offering a holistic approach to water monitoring.
• Designed for versatility, the product seamlessly transitions between research laboratories, industrial facilities, and residential settings, meeting diverse client needs.
• Despite its professional-grade capabilities, the proposed system remains cost-effective, delivering high-end accuracy and functionality at a fraction of the cost of traditional laboratory equipment.
• The project design incorporates a modular architecture with potential loT integration capabilities, ensuring adaptability to future water quality monitoring needs and emerging technologies.

Claims

We claim ,
Claim [I]: A portable water quality testing device, comprisingra testing chamber for receiving a water sample; a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor for establishing a baseline measurement; a
laser-based chlorine detection module utilizing a Diethyl-p-phenylcnc-diamine (DPD) tablet for
chlorine level analysis.

Claim [2]: The device as claimed in Claim [1], wherein the laser-based chlorination detection module includes a green 532nm laser and a TSL sensor that measures the intensity of light passing through the water sample, enabling the determination of chlorine concentration based on light absorption changes.

Claim [3]: The device as stated in Claim [2], wherein the TSL sensor output is processed by a
microcontroller, applying a linear regression model that correlates the sensor data to specific chlorine levels, thereby enhancing the accuracy of chlorine concentration predictions.

Claim [4]: The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, allowing for portability and
field usage without reliance on external power sources, with an operational capacity of at least 24 hours after a full charge.

Claim [5]: The device as stated in Claim [4], housed in a waterproof enclosure to protect the
electronic components from environmental factors, ensuring reliable operation in diverse field
conditions.

Claim [6]: A method for testing water quality, comprising the steps of: (a) establishing a baseline measurement of a reference water sample using a TDS sensor, (b) introducing a DPD tablet to the sample, (c) exposing the sample to a green laser and measuring light intensity with a TSL sensor, (d) processing the sensor data through a microcontroller to predict chlorine concentration, and (e) displaying the real-time chlorine concentration for user evaluation.

Claim [7]: As stated in Claim [6], the method further includes the step of logging historical data of chlorine concentrations for trend analysis and monitoring over time.

Claim [8]: As stated in claim[6], The device includes an LCD display that notifies the user when the detected chlorine concentration exceeds a predefined safety threshold, enhancing user safety.

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