Viscosity measurement system and method

Abstract

A system may include an energy source configured to point to a first location in a fluid and configured to generate a wave in the fluid. A system may include a laser system configured to generate a laser pulse directed toward a second location in the fluid and configured to irradiate at least a portion of the wave in the fluid. A system may include a sensor configured to detect an illuminated wave and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the illuminated wave. A system may include a processing system configured to: receive the electrical signal from the sensor; and calculate a relative viscosity of the fluid based at least in part on the electrical signal received from the sensor.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 476,254, filed on December 20, 2022, entitled “VISCOSITY MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a measuring device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a measuring device for determining the viscosity of a fluid. Background Art

[0004] The measuring system can be used, for example, to determine the viscosity of a fluid or suspension. The viscosity of the fluid or suspension can vary depending on, for example, temperature, pressure or additives in the fluid or suspension. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments, the system includes an energy source configured to be directed at a first location in the fluid and configured to generate a wave in the fluid. In some embodiments, the system includes a laser system configured to generate laser pulses directed at a second location in the fluid and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the wave in the fluid. In some embodiments, the system includes a sensor configured to detect the illuminated wave and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the illuminated wave. In some embodiments, the system includes a processing system configured to: receive the electrical signal from the sensor; and calculate the relative viscosity of the fluid based at least in part on the electrical signal received from the sensor.

[0006] In some embodiments, the laser system is a laser imaging, detection, and ranging (LiDAR) system.

[0007] In some embodiments, the energy source is configured to excite the fluid.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first location is proximate to the second location.

[0009] In some embodiments, the relative viscosity is determined relative to a baseline viscosity determined in a calibration mode.

[0010] In some embodiments, the relative viscosity is the change in the illuminated wave compared to a baseline viscosity determined in a calibration mode.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fluid is in a flowing state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the processing system is configured to determine the actual viscosity in centipoise based on the relative viscosity.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fluid is asphalt.

[0014] In some embodiments, an asphalt shingle manufacturing system includes an asphalt delivery system. In some embodiments, the asphalt delivery system is configured to deliver a fluid including asphalt to a glass mat. In some embodiments, the system includes a viscosity measurement system. In some embodiments, the viscosity measurement system includes an energy source configured to point to a first position in the fluid and to generate a wave in the fluid. In some embodiments, the viscosity measurement system includes a laser system configured to generate laser pulses directed to a second position in the fluid and to illuminate at least a portion of the wave in the fluid. In some embodiments, the viscosity measurement system includes a sensor configured to detect the irradiated wave and to generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the irradiated wave. In some embodiments, the viscosity measurement system includes a processing system configured to: receive an electrical signal from the sensor; and calculate the relative viscosity of the fluid based at least in part on the electrical signal received from the sensor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the laser system is a laser imaging, detection, and ranging (LiDAR) system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the energy source is configured to disturb the asphalt.

[0017] In some embodiments, the relative viscosity is determined relative to a baseline viscosity determined in a calibration mode.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processing system is configured to determine the actual viscosity in centipoise based on the relative viscosity.

[0019] In some embodiments, the energy source is a speaker configured to output sound waves.

[0020] In some embodiments, the energy source is configured to output a gas flow to generate waves in the fluid.

[0021] In some embodiments, the fluid is in a flowing state.

[0022] In some embodiments, a method includes generating waves in a fluid by an energy source. In some embodiments, the method includes generating an electrical signal by a sensor based at least in part on the waves in the fluid. In some embodiments, the method includes calculating the relative viscosity of the fluid by a processing system based at least in part on the electrical signal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method includes directing a laser system toward the fluid to illuminate at least a portion of the wave in the fluid.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fluid is asphalt.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method includes calculating an actual viscosity of the fluid in centipoise based on the relative viscosity.

[0026] In some embodiments, the system includes an energy source configured to be directed toward a first location in a fluid and configured to generate a wave in the fluid. In some embodiments, the system includes a sensor configured to detect the wave and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the wave. In some embodiments, the system includes a processing system configured to: receive the electrical signal from the sensor; and calculate the relative viscosity of the fluid based at least in part on the electrical signal received from the sensor.

[0027] In some embodiments, the energy source is configured to excite the fluid.

[0028] In some embodiments, the relative viscosity is determined relative to a baseline viscosity determined in a calibration mode.

[0029] In some embodiments, the relative viscosity is the change in viscosity compared to a baseline viscosity determined in a calibration mode.

[0030] In some embodiments, the fluid is in a flowing state.

[0031] In some embodiments, the processing system is configured to determine the actual viscosity in centipoise based on the relative viscosity.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fluid is asphalt. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described herein may be practiced.

[0034] Figure 1 A system according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0035] Figure 2 A system according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0036] Figure 3 A system according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0037] Figure 4 A system according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0038] Figure 5A flow chart illustrating a method according to some embodiments is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example internal architecture of a processing system according to some embodiments.

[0040] The same reference numbers will be used throughout to refer to the same or like parts. Specific implementation plan

[0041] The viscosity of a fluid may change due to various factors, such as, but not limited to, temperature changes, fluid composition, pressure changes, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0042] During the manufacturing process, the viscosity of the fluids used during the process can be important, even critical, to achieving acceptable production results. For example, in the asphalt shingle production process, asphalt may be used to coat fiberglass mats. Variations in asphalt viscosity can cause problems in the production process. For example, if the asphalt is too viscous, material may be wasted, and the asphalt may cause manufacturing equipment to clog, leading to unwanted downtime associated with resolving such issues. Alternatively, if the asphalt is not viscous enough, the produced asphalt shingles may have poor physical properties, which can result in lost time and money in producing additional asphalt shingles to meet quality requirements, customer complaints, product returns, and the like.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a fluid. In some embodiments, the described systems and methods can be used to determine the viscosity of a fluid in a harsh or corrosive environment. In some embodiments, the described systems and methods can be used to determine the viscosity of a fluid while the fluid is flowing. In some embodiments, the described systems and methods can be used to determine the viscosity of a fluid regardless of the color of the fluid. In some embodiments, the described systems and methods can be used to determine the viscosity of a fluid in a manufacturing system for producing products in the roofing industry, for example. For example, in some embodiments, the described systems and methods can be used to determine the viscosity of a fluid comprising asphalt, which is used, for example, to produce roofing products, such as, but not limited to, asphalt roofing shingles, etc.

[0044] Figure 1 System 100 is illustrated according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, system 100 is configured to determine the viscosity of a fluid. In some embodiments, system 100 can be configured to determine the viscosity of a fluid used in the manufacture of roofing components, such as, but not limited to, asphalt shingles. In some embodiments, system 100 can be configured to determine the viscosity of a fluid including asphalt used in the manufacture of roofing components.

[0045] In some embodiments, system 100 includes an energy source 102. In some embodiments, energy source 102 can be configured to point to a first position in the fluid, and is configured to generate waves in the fluid. As used herein, generating waves in a fluid means that energy source 102 is used to disturb or excite the fluid, thereby causing physical waves in the fluid. In some embodiments, energy source 102 can be a device configured to generate sound waves. In some embodiments, energy source 102 can be a speaker etc. In some embodiments, energy source 102 can be an air nozzle etc. configured to output air flow to generate waves in the fluid. In some embodiments, energy source 102 can include an air compressor, an air pump etc., wherein air flow is generated by a conduit. In some embodiments, other energy sources are also available and can be selected based on the fluid being tested.

[0046] In some embodiments, the energy source 102 can generate a uniform wave in the fluid. In some embodiments, the wave can have different profiles depending on the viscosity of the fluid. For example, in some embodiments, the amplitude or frequency of the wave generated in the fluid can depend on the viscosity of the fluid.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fluid is in a flowing state (ie, in motion). In some embodiments, the fluid may be in a static state or a non-flowing state (ie, not in motion).

[0048] In some embodiments, the energy source 102 can be directed to the position of the fluid that is transferred for use in the manufacturing process. For example, the manufacturing equipment used in the manufacturing process can make the equipment sensitive to changes in fluid flow. Therefore, it may be desirable to utilize the portion of the fluid transferred from the manufacturing equipment to generate waves in the fluid. In addition, in some embodiments, the fluid can generally flow in a closed body (such as, but not limited to, a conduit, etc.). In some embodiments, a portion of the fluid can be transferred, thereby forming a fluid stream separate from the fluid delivered to the manufacturing equipment. In some embodiments, the fluid can be transferred into a "waterfall" configuration, wherein the fluid flows into a collection chamber with a steep drop, and then returns to the manufacturing process so that no fluid is lost because of the system 100.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a laser system 104. In some embodiments, the laser system 104 is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the fluid. In some embodiments, the laser system 104 is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the fluid in which waves have been generated by the energy source 102. In some embodiments, the laser system 104 is configured to generate laser pulses directed to a second location in the fluid and is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the waves in the fluid. In some embodiments, the laser system 104 can generate a constant laser beam instead of laser pulses. In some embodiments, the laser system 104 can generate a grid that can be captured by the sensor 106. In some embodiments, the laser system 104 includes a laser imaging, detection, and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, the energy source 102 and the laser system 104 can be directed to locations close to each other in the fluid.

[0050] In some embodiments, the laser system 104 may be optional. Figure 2 , examples of such implementations are shown and described in more detail.

[0051] In some embodiments, system 100 includes a sensor 106. In some embodiments, sensor 106 is configured to detect waves in a fluid. In some embodiments, sensor 106 can be an optical sensor. In some embodiments, sensor 106 can be a camera. In some embodiments, sensor 106 is configured to detect the illuminated waves and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the illuminated waves. In some embodiments, laser system 104 is bright enough to illuminate the waves so that sensor 106 can capture one or more images of the fluid. In some embodiments, sensor 106 can capture an image, a series of images, or a video stream of the fluid.

[0052] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a processing system 108. In some embodiments, the processing system 108 is configured to receive an electrical signal from the sensor 106 and calculate a relative viscosity of the fluid based at least in part on the electrical signal received from the sensor. In some embodiments, the relative viscosity is based on a comparison with a baseline viscosity, which can be determined during a calibration mode or process of the system 100. In some embodiments, the relative viscosity can be converted into an actual viscosity in centipoise.

[0053] In some embodiments, the energy source 102 and the sensor 106 can be combined. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor 106 can be a camera, and the energy source 102 can be on the camera.

[0054] Figure 2System 150 is illustrated according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, system 150 is configured to determine the viscosity of a fluid. In some embodiments, system 150 is configured to determine the viscosity of a fluid used in the manufacture of roofing components, such as, but not limited to, asphalt shingles. In some embodiments, system 150 is configured to determine the viscosity of asphalt used in the manufacture of roofing components.

[0055] Figure 2 aspects can be compared with Figure 1 In order to simplify this description, the previously described aspects will not be described in detail unless otherwise specified.

[0056] System 150 includes energy source 102, sensor 106, and processing system 108. System 150 does not include laser system 104. Instead, sensor 106 may include a motion magnification camera. In such embodiments, sensor 106 is able to capture waves in the fluid without requiring additional illumination by a separate system. In some embodiments, a motion magnification camera may be included in the Figure 1 In the system 100 of FIG. 1 , this can reduce reliance on the laser system 104 or enable the selection of a lower power laser system 104. In some embodiments, the sensor 106 can include a camera without motion amplification. In some embodiments, the sensor 106 can use a camera to detect wave amplitude changes by positioning the camera to detect wave height (amplitude changes) based on a set reference. In some embodiments, the sensor 106 can use multiple cameras. In some embodiments, when multiple cameras are used, the images from the individual cameras can be combined to create a stereoscopic view of the waves. In some embodiments, the stereoscopic view of the waves can be used to determine the distance or height of the waves.

[0057] Figure 3 A system 200 is illustrated according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system 200 is configured for use in an asphalt shingle manufacturing process. Thus, in some embodiments, the system 200 may be referred to as an asphalt shingle manufacturing system, etc. In some embodiments, the system 200 is configured for determining the viscosity of a fluid during asphalt shingle manufacturing. In some embodiments, the system 200 is configured for determining the viscosity of asphalt used in manufacturing asphalt shingles.

[0058] Figure 3 aspects can be compared with Figure 1 In order to simplify this description, the previously described aspects will not be described in detail unless otherwise specified.

[0059] System 200 includes system 100 and additionally includes an asphalt delivery system 202. Asphalt delivery system 202 is configured to deliver a fluid including asphalt to a glass mat during the asphalt shingle manufacturing process. In some embodiments, a portion of the fluid from asphalt delivery system 202 may be as described above with respect to Figure 1 is transferred as discussed to determine the relative viscosity of the fluid.

[0060] Figure 4 System 250 is illustrated according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, system 250 is configured for use in an asphalt shingle manufacturing process. Thus, in some embodiments, system 250 may be referred to as an asphalt shingle manufacturing system, etc. In some embodiments, system 250 is configured for determining the viscosity of a fluid during asphalt shingle manufacturing. In some embodiments, system 250 is configured for determining the viscosity of asphalt used in manufacturing asphalt shingles.

[0061] Figure 4 aspects can be compared with Figure 2 In order to simplify this description, the previously described aspects will not be described in detail unless otherwise specified.

[0062] System 250 includes system 150 and additionally includes asphalt delivery system 202 .

[0063] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a method 300 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method 300 may be used Figure 1 System 100 or Figure 2 system 150 to perform method 300.

[0064] At block 302 , the method 300 includes generating, by an energy source (eg, the energy source 102 ), waves in a fluid.

[0065] At block 304 , method 300 includes generating, by a sensor (eg, sensor 106 ), an electrical signal based at least in part on the waves in the fluid.

[0066] At block 306 , the method 300 includes calculating, by a processing system (eg, processing system 108 ), a relative viscosity of the fluid based at least in part on the electrical signal.

[0067] In some embodiments, at block 308, the determined relative viscosity may optionally be used to control a manufacturing system such as Figure 3 System 200 or Figure 4 Equipment in system 250).

[0068] Figure 6 is an example of a processing system such as processing system 108 ( Figure 1 ). A computer as referred to herein refers to any device having a processor capable of executing logical or coded instructions and may be a server, personal computer, set-top box, smartphone, tablet computer, or media device, to name a few such devices. Figure 6 , the internal architecture 350 includes one or more processing units (also referred to herein as CPUs) 280 that interface with at least one computer bus 352. Also interfaced with the computer bus 352 are permanent storage media 356, a network interface 364, memory 354 such as random access memory (RAM), runtime transient memory, read-only memory (ROM), etc., a media disk drive interface 358 as an interface for drives (which can read and / or write media including removable media such as floppy disks, CD ROMs, DVDs, etc.), a display interface 360 ​​as an interface for a monitor or other display device, a keyboard interface 366 as an interface for a keyboard, a pointing device interface 368 as an interface for a mouse or other pointing device, and various other interfaces not separately shown, such as parallel and serial port interfaces, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.

[0069] The memory 354 interfaces with the computer bus 352 to provide information stored in the memory 354 to the CPU 362 during execution of software programs, such as operating systems, application programs, device drivers, and software modules including program code and / or computer-executable process operations incorporating the functionality described herein, such as one or more of the process flows described herein. The CPU 362 first loads the computer-executable process operations from a storage device (e.g., memory 354, storage medium 356, removable media drive, and / or other storage device). The CPU 362 can then execute the stored process operations to perform the loaded computer-executable process operations. The stored data (e.g., data stored by the storage device) can be accessed by the CPU 362 during execution of the computer-executable process operations.

[0070] Permanent storage medium 356 is a computer-readable storage medium that can be used to store software and data (e.g., an operating system and one or more application programs). Permanent storage medium 356 can also be used to store one or more device drivers, such as a digital camera driver, a monitor driver, a printer driver, a scanner driver, or other device drivers, web pages, content files, playlists, and other files. Permanent storage medium 356 can also include program modules and data files used to implement one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] For the purposes of this disclosure, a module is a software, hardware, or firmware (or combination thereof) system, process, or function, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates the processes, features, and / or functions described herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation). A module may include submodules. The software components of a module may be stored on a computer-readable medium. A module may be integrated into one or more servers, or may be loaded and executed by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an engine or application.

[0072] Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, any tangible medium capable of storing a computer program for use by a programmable processing device to perform the functions described herein by operating on input data and generating output. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer system to perform a specific function or determine a specific result. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: a floppy disk; a hard disk; a random access memory (RAM); a read-only memory (ROM); a semiconductor memory device, such as, but not limited to, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, etc.; a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); an optical storage device; a magnetic storage device; other similar devices; or a suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0073] In some embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in combination with software instructions.Thus, the description is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software instructions, nor to any source for the instructions executed by the data processing system.

[0074] The internal architecture 350 may also include a driver interface 370 or other interface 372 for connecting to external devices or the like.

[0075] The terms used herein are intended to describe embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. The terms "a," "an," and "the" also include plural forms unless expressly stated otherwise. When used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0076] It should be understood that changes may be made in detail, particularly in the materials of construction employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This specification and described embodiments are examples only, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising: an energy source configured to generate waves in the fluid; a sensor configured to detect the wave and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the wave; and A processing system configured to: receiving the electrical signal from the sensor; as well as A relative viscosity of the fluid is calculated based at least in part on the electrical signal received from the sensor.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a laser system configured to illuminate the wave, wherein the laser system is a laser imaging, detection, and ranging (LiDAR) system.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy source is configured to excite the fluid.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy source is directed toward a first location and the laser system is directed toward a second location, wherein the first location is proximate to the second location.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the relative viscosity is determined relative to a baseline viscosity determined in a calibration mode.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the relative viscosity is a change in the wave compared to a baseline viscosity determined in a calibration mode.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is in a flowing state.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing system is configured to determine an actual viscosity in centipoise based on the relative viscosity.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is asphalt.

10. An asphalt shingle manufacturing system comprising: an asphalt delivery system configured to deliver a fluid including asphalt to the glass mat; as well as A viscosity measuring system, comprising: an energy source configured to be directed toward a first location in a fluid and configured to generate waves in the fluid; a sensor configured to detect the wave and generate an electrical signal based at least in part on the wave; and A processing system configured to: receiving the electrical signal from the sensor; and A relative viscosity of the fluid is calculated based at least in part on the electrical signal received from the sensor.

11. The asphalt shingle manufacturing system of claim 10, further comprising a laser system configured to illuminate the wave, wherein the laser system is a laser imaging, detection, and ranging (LiDAR) system.

12. The asphalt shingle manufacturing system of claim 10, wherein the energy source is configured to disturb the asphalt.

13. The asphalt shingle manufacturing system of claim 10, wherein the relative viscosity is determined relative to a baseline viscosity determined in a calibration mode.

14. The asphalt shingle manufacturing system of claim 10, wherein the processing system is configured to determine an actual viscosity in centipoise based on the relative viscosity.

15. The asphalt shingle manufacturing system of claim 10, wherein the energy source is a speaker configured to output sound waves.

16. The asphalt shingle manufacturing system of claim 10, wherein the energy source is configured to output a gas flow to generate waves in the fluid.

17. The asphalt shingle manufacturing system of claim 10, wherein the fluid is in a flowing state.

18. A method comprising: generating, by a sensor, an electrical signal based at least in part on the waves in the fluid; as well as A relative viscosity of the fluid is calculated by a processing system based at least in part on the electrical signal.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising directing a laser system toward the fluid to illuminate at least a portion of the wave in the fluid.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the fluid is asphalt.

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