Density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of solid-liquid separation, and discloses a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation, which comprises a base, an annular structure, a driving control system and a centrifuge tube fixing assembly, the base is mounted on a CT scanning sample table, and a circular window is formed in the base; the CT scanning sample table is arranged between a ray tube and a detector of the CT machine; the annular structure is rotationally connected to the base through a rolling shaft connecting assembly, and the annular structure and the circular window are arranged in a right opposite mode. The drive control system is installed on the base and used for driving the annular structure to rotate along the base. The centrifugal tube fixing assembly is mounted on the annular structure. According to the invention, the CT lossless scanning function with high temporal-spatial resolution and multiple functions of the flocculating settling test are integrated, the internal structure change of flocs in the settling process can be captured in real time, and the test efficiency is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of solid-liquid separation technology, and in particular to a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation. Background Technology

[0002] Flocculation is a widespread phenomenon in solid-liquid separation processes across various industrial and natural processes, including water treatment, mineral processing, sediment transport in environmental engineering, and chemical separation. In these processes, the effective density of the flocs (defined as the difference between the floc density and the fluid density) and their internal porous structure directly determine the floc settling characteristics, interfacial behavior, and final separation efficiency. This plays a crucial role in optimizing process parameters, predicting pollutant migration trajectories, improving sludge thickening effects, and achieving precise solid waste treatment.

[0003] Currently, computed tomography (CT) technology, as a non-invasive imaging method with high spatial resolution, has been initially applied in material structure analysis and floc morphology research, especially suitable for two-dimensional or three-dimensional reconstruction of the internal pores and overall morphology of flocs under static or quasi-static conditions. However, existing CT research methods and traditional experimental devices have significant limitations: First, most analyses are based on offline, single-time-point static observations, making it impossible to dynamically track the same floc group during continuous sedimentation; second, limited by the temporal resolution of the CT system itself and the high sedimentation speed of flocs, it is difficult to capture high-resolution sequential images of rapidly moving flocs without dedicated auxiliary devices, leading to motion blur and information loss; third, existing equipment is often single-function and fails to achieve deep integration with CT scanning at the electromechanical and signal levels, making it impossible to support in-situ, long-term, and stable monitoring in real-world environments, thus hindering the systematic study of the dynamic evolution of flocs in variable fluid environments. These technical bottlenecks make it difficult for experimental results to accurately reflect the collective sedimentation behavior of flocs under actual working conditions, and also limit multi-dimensional, cross-scale research on the dynamic mechanism of flocs.

[0004] To address this, a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation, which aims to solve or improve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation, comprising:

[0007] A base is mounted on a CT scanning sample stage, and a circular window is provided on the base; the CT scanning sample stage is placed between the X-ray tube and the detector of the CT machine;

[0008] A ring structure is rotatably connected to the base via a roller connection assembly, and the ring structure is positioned directly opposite the circular window.

[0009] A drive control system, mounted on the base, is used to drive the annular structure to rotate along the base;

[0010] Centrifuge tube fixing assembly, which is mounted on the annular structure.

[0011] According to the present invention, a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation is provided. The annular structure includes a large gear, which is arranged opposite to the circular window. The large gear is rotatably connected to the base through the roller connection assembly. The output end of the drive control system is connected to the large gear. The centrifuge tube fixing assembly is installed on the large gear.

[0012] According to the present invention, a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation is provided. The drive control system includes a motor and a pinion. The motor is mounted on the base via a motor mount. The pinion is mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The pinion meshes with the large gear for transmission. The motor is electrically connected to a control circuit.

[0013] The power interface of the motor is connected to the slip ring system of the internal power wiring of the CT machine. The slip ring system is electrically connected to the external drive board and the control circuit.

[0014] According to the present invention, a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation is provided. The roller connection assembly includes a plurality of rollers, which are rotatably connected to the base. The plurality of rollers are arranged at equal intervals along the inner circumferential surface of the large gear, and each of the rollers is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the large gear.

[0015] According to the present invention, a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation is provided. The centrifuge tube fixing assembly includes a centrifuge tube clamp and a clamp fixing buckle. The clamp fixing buckle is fixedly installed on the large gear, and the centrifuge tube clamp is detachably connected to the clamp fixing buckle. The centrifuge tube clamp is used to fix the centrifuge tube body.

[0016] According to the present invention, a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation is provided, wherein an annular slide rail is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the large gear, and several rollers are rotatably connected to the annular slide rail.

[0017] According to the present invention, a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation is provided, wherein the control circuit adopts an STM32 microcontroller.

[0018] According to the present invention, a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation is provided, wherein the number of rollers is four.

[0019] The present invention discloses the following technical effects:

[0020] This invention integrates CT with flocculation and sedimentation experiments. It uses an in-situ dynamic scanning method to perform 2D, 3D, and 4D (time-dependent three-dimensional) scans on the flocs fixed on the centrifuge tube fixing assembly using a CT scanner, capturing the internal structural changes of the flocs in real time during the sedimentation process. By precisely controlling the rotation and scanning process through a drive control system, more accurate data can be obtained, providing technical support for the study of floc density and structural dynamic changes. It realizes the integration of high spatiotemporal resolution CT non-destructive scanning function with the multi-functionality of flocculation and sedimentation experiments, enabling multi-dimensional in-situ real-time dynamic observation of floc density and structure during sedimentation.

[0021] This invention enables in-situ dynamic sedimentation tests on floc samples. By using rotation around an axis and multi-angle projection, the flocs inside a centrifuge tube fixed on a centrifuge tube fixing assembly are scanned in multiple dimensions, thereby capturing the dynamic evolution of their density and structure during sedimentation in real time. Through a drive control system that precisely controls the rotation process, continuous sedimentation dynamic data can be obtained, providing intuitive and accurate microscale information for the study of floc behavior and solid-liquid separation mechanisms.

[0022] This invention achieves multi-functional integration on a single platform, supports continuous implementation of various types of settlement and structural evolution tests, significantly reduces the time required for test preparation and working condition switching, and effectively improves test efficiency and data comparability. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 For the isometric projection of the present invention Figure I ;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the centrifuge tube fixing assembly in this invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 For the isometric projection of the present invention Figure II .

[0028] The components include: 1. Centrifuge tube clamp; 2. Clamp fixing buckle; 3. Roller; 4. Large gear; 5. Motor; 6. Small gear; 7. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] Reference Figures 1-4 This invention provides a density evolution test device based on four-dimensional CT floc sedimentation, comprising:

[0032] The base 7 is mounted on the CT scanning sample stage and has a circular window. The CT scanning sample stage is placed between the X-ray tube and the detector of the CT machine.

[0033] The ring structure is rotatably connected to the base 7 via a roller connection assembly, and the ring structure is positioned directly opposite the circular window.

[0034] A drive control system is mounted on the base 7 and is used to drive the ring structure to rotate along the base 7.

[0035] Centrifuge tube fixing assembly, which is mounted on a ring structure;

[0036] With this configuration, the present invention integrates CT with flocculation and sedimentation experiments. It uses an in-situ dynamic scanning method to perform 2D, 3D, and 4D (time-dependent three-dimensional) scans on the flocs fixed on the centrifuge tube fixing assembly using a CT scanner, capturing the internal structural changes of the flocs in real time during the sedimentation process. By precisely controlling the rotation and scanning process through a drive control system, more accurate data can be obtained, providing technical support for the study of floc density and structural dynamic changes. It realizes the integration of high spatiotemporal resolution CT non-destructive scanning function with the multi-functionality of flocculation and sedimentation experiments, enabling multi-dimensional in-situ real-time dynamic observation of floc density and structure during sedimentation.

[0037] This invention enables in-situ dynamic sedimentation tests on floc samples. By using rotation around an axis and multi-angle projection, the flocs inside a centrifuge tube fixed on a centrifuge tube fixing assembly are scanned in multiple dimensions, thereby capturing the dynamic evolution of their density and structure during sedimentation in real time. Through a drive control system that precisely controls the rotation process, continuous sedimentation dynamic data can be obtained, providing intuitive and accurate microscale information for the study of floc behavior and solid-liquid separation mechanisms.

[0038] This invention achieves multi-functional integration on a single platform, supports continuous implementation of various types of settlement and structural evolution tests, significantly reduces the time required for test preparation and working condition switching, and effectively improves test efficiency and data comparability.

[0039] The scheme is further optimized. The ring structure includes a large gear 4, which is set opposite to the circular window. The large gear 4 is rotatably connected to the base 7 through a roller connection assembly. The output end of the drive control system is connected to the large gear 4. The centrifuge tube fixing assembly is installed on the large gear 4.

[0040] The large gear 4, as the core rotating component, supports the centrifuge tube fixing assembly. When the drive control system is working, the large gear 4 rotates around the base 7 under the action of driving force, causing the centrifuge tube fixing assembly and centrifuge tubes mounted on it to rotate synchronously. Due to the standardized tooth structure of the large gear 4, it can ensure that the centrifuge tubes move with a stable trajectory and speed during rotation, allowing the floc samples to receive X-ray scans with uniform angular changes during CT scanning, ensuring the consistency and accuracy of the acquired data, and providing a reliable data foundation for subsequent analysis of the floc sedimentation process.

[0041] The scheme is further optimized. The drive control system includes a motor 5 and a pinion 6. The motor 5 is mounted on the base 7 via a motor 5 mount. The pinion 6 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 5. The pinion 6 meshes with the large gear 4 for transmission. The motor 5 is electrically connected to a control circuit.

[0042] The power interface of motor 5 is connected to the slip ring system of the internal power wiring of the CT machine. The slip ring system is electrically connected to an external drive board and control circuit.

[0043] The control circuit is synchronously modified to control the operation of motor 5, driving the pinion 6 to rotate. The pinion 6, through meshing transmission, drives the large gear 4 to rotate, thereby driving the ring structure to rotate. Simultaneously, the power interface of motor 5 is connected to the slip ring system of the CT machine's internal power wiring. The slip ring system ensures stable power supply to motor 5 during continuous rotation, preventing wire entanglement from affecting device operation. The slip ring system, in conjunction with the external drive board and control circuit, ensures that the control signal and power transmission of motor 5 are not interfered with by rotation, achieving precise control and stable operation of the drive process.

[0044] Further optimization of the scheme: the roller connection assembly includes several rollers 3, which are rotatably connected to the base 7. The rollers 3 are arranged at equal intervals along the inner circumferential surface of the large gear 4, and all rollers 3 are rotatably connected to the inner wall of the large gear 4.

[0045] During the rotation of the large gear 4, the rollers 3 provide support and guidance. On the one hand, the multiple rollers 3 are evenly distributed, distributing the weight of the large gear 4 and the load of the centrifuge tube fixing components and centrifuge tubes, reducing the pressure at individual contact points and minimizing component wear. On the other hand, the rollers 3 cooperate with the annular slide rail to restrict the movement trajectory of the large gear 4, ensuring its stable rotation around the base 7 and preventing wobbling or displacement. This ensures the centrifuge tubes are accurately positioned during rotation, enabling CT scans to accurately acquire image data of the flocculent sample from different angles.

[0046] The centrifuge tube fixing assembly is further optimized by including a centrifuge tube clamp 1 and a clamp fixing buckle 2. The clamp fixing buckle 2 is fixedly installed on the large gear 4, and the centrifuge tube clamp 1 is detachably connected to the clamp fixing buckle 2. The centrifuge tube clamp 1 is used to fix the centrifuge tube body.

[0047] The clamp fixing buckle 2 is fixedly mounted on the large gear 4, providing a mounting base for the centrifuge tube clamp 1. The centrifuge tube clamp 1 is detachably connected to the clamp fixing buckle 2, facilitating the installation and removal of centrifuge tubes. During the experiment, the centrifuge tube clamp 1 securely fixes the centrifuge tube body through a specific clamping structure (such as elastic clips, buckles, etc.), ensuring that the centrifuge tubes will not shift or fall off during the rotation of the large gear 4 and CT scanning. Simultaneously, the detachable structure allows for flexible replacement of centrifuge tubes of different specifications and types to adapt to different experimental needs, enhancing the versatility and practicality of the device.

[0048] In a further optimized design, an annular slide rail is provided on the inner circumference of the large gear 4, and several rollers 3 are rotatably connected to the annular slide rail.

[0049] To further optimize the design, an STM32 microcontroller was adopted for the control circuit. The STM32 microcontroller possesses data processing and logic control capabilities, allowing for pre-programmed settings of motor 5's operating parameters. For example, based on CT scan requirements, the rotational speed of motor 5 can be precisely controlled, ensuring that the large gear 4 drives the centrifuge tube at an appropriate speed, guaranteeing that the dwell time of the flocculent sample at each scanning angle meets imaging requirements. It can also control the start, stop, and direction of motor 5 according to the scanning process, achieving precise synchronization with the CT scan program. Furthermore, the STM32 microcontroller, working in conjunction with the slip ring system and external drive board, monitors the operating status of motor 5 in real time and adjusts control commands promptly based on feedback information, ensuring stable and reliable operation of the drive control system.

[0050] The scheme was further optimized, and the number of rollers 3 was increased to four.

[0051] To further optimize the design, temperature and humidity sensors and pressure sensors are installed around the centrifuge tubes. The temperature and humidity sensors can monitor changes in the temperature and humidity of the experimental environment in real time, as ambient temperature and humidity may affect the sedimentation process and structural stability of the flocs. Acquiring this data allows for environmental factor correction during data analysis. The pressure sensors can monitor changes in liquid pressure inside the centrifuge tubes, and combined with CT scan data, this helps to more comprehensively study the sedimentation characteristics of the flocs under different pressure conditions.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0053] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for density evolution test based on four-dimensional CT floc settling, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a CT sample table rotating device, including: Base (7), base (7) is installed on CT scanning sample table, and the circular window is opened on base (7), and the CT scanning sample table is placed between ray tube and detector of CT machine, Annular structure, annular structure is rotatably connected on base (7) through roller connecting assembly, and annular structure is opposite with circular window, Driving control system, driving control system is installed on base (7), and is used for driving annular structure rotation along base (7), Centrifugal tube fixing assembly, centrifugal tube fixing assembly is installed on annular structure.

2. The device for density evolution test based on four-dimensional CT floc settlement according to claim 1, characterized in that: Annular structure includes big gear (4), big gear (4) is opposite with circular window, and big gear (4) is rotatably connected on base (7) through roller connecting assembly, and the output end of driving control system is drivingly connected with big gear (4), and centrifugal tube fixing assembly is installed on big gear (4).

3. The device for density evolution test based on four-dimensional CT floc settlement according to claim 2, characterized in that: Driving control system includes motor (5) and small gear (6), motor (5) is installed on base (7) through motor (5) seat, small gear (6) is installed on the output shaft of motor (5), small gear (6) is meshingly driven with big gear (4), and motor (5) is electrically connected with control circuit, The power interface of motor (5) is connected with the slip ring system of internal power supply wiring of CT machine, and the slip ring system is electrically connected with external drive board and control circuit.

4. The device for density evolution test based on four-dimensional CT floc settlement according to claim 2, characterized in that: Roller connecting assembly includes several rollers (3), several rollers (3) are rotatably connected on base (7), several rollers (3) are arranged at equal intervals along the inner periphery of big gear (4), and several rollers (3) are rotatably connected with the inner wall of big gear (4).

5. The device for density evolution test based on four-dimensional CT floc settlement according to claim 2, characterized in that: Centrifugal tube fixing assembly includes centrifugal tube clamp (1) and clamp fixed buckle (2), clamp fixed buckle (2) is fixedly installed on big gear (4), centrifugal tube clamp (1) is detachably connected on clamp fixed buckle (2), and centrifugal tube clamp (1) is used for fixing centrifugal tube body.

6. The device for density evolution test based on four-dimensional CT floc settling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner periphery of big gear (4) is provided with annular slide rail, and several rollers (3) are rotatably connected with the annular slide rail.

7. The device for density evolution test based on four-dimensional CT floc settlement according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control circuit adopts STM32 single-chip microcomputer.

8. The device for density evolution test based on four-dimensional CT floc settlement according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of rollers (3) is four.

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