Method, device and computer equipment for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior

Abstract

The application relates to a glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization method, device and computer equipment. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining a contrast agent solution containing metal elements; the contrast agent solution has physical and chemical properties matched with glycerol; applying the contrast agent solution to the surface of a target sample; performing X-ray scanning on the target sample to obtain three-dimensional image data; based on the three-dimensional image data, obtaining mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample, and determining the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample as equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample. The method can non-destructively, three-dimensionally and dynamically characterize the mass transfer behavior of glycerol in the target sample.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of measurement technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and computer device for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior. Background Technology

[0002] In the processing of porous materials such as tobacco, food, and pharmaceuticals, glycerol is widely used as a humectant, plasticizer, or carrier solvent. The mass transfer behavior of glycerol within these materials typically affects the physical properties and final quality of the product. Therefore, accurately characterizing the mass transfer behavior of glycerol is crucial for optimizing processing techniques.

[0003] To characterize the mass transfer behavior of glycerol, traditional techniques provide a destructive method by slicing the sample and measuring the glycerol content at that time point. However, this method can only obtain static data at discrete time points and cannot reflect the real glycerol mass transfer process. Traditional techniques also provide methods based on optical microscopy. However, conventional optical microscopy can usually only obtain two-dimensional distribution information, making it difficult to achieve non-destructive three-dimensional observation of the mass transfer process.

[0004] Therefore, there are still methods in the existing technology that are difficult to characterize the mass transfer behavior of glycerol in the target sample in a non-destructive, three-dimensional, and dynamic manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method, apparatus, and computer equipment for characterizing the mass transfer behavior of glycerol in a target sample in a non-destructive, three-dimensional, and dynamic manner to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior, the method comprising:

[0007] Obtain a contrast agent solution containing a metal element; the contrast agent solution has physicochemical properties that match those of glycerol;

[0008] The contrast agent solution is applied to the surface of the target sample;

[0009] The target sample was subjected to X-ray scanning to obtain three-dimensional image data;

[0010] Based on the three-dimensional image data, mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is obtained. Based on the physicochemical properties of the contrast agent solution and glycerol, the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is determined as the equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

[0011] In one embodiment, obtaining the contrast agent solution containing metal elements includes:

[0012] Metal salts are mixed with glycerol and subjected to reflux reaction under heating conditions to form metal-glycerol complexes;

[0013] The metal-glycerol complex was filtered and washed to obtain a purified metal-glycerol complex.

[0014] The purified metal-glycerol complex was mixed with water at a preset concentration;

[0015] The contrast agent solution was prepared based on the mixed complex solution.

[0016] In one embodiment, the preparation of the contrast agent solution based on the mixed complex solution includes:

[0017] The mixed complex solution was then subjected to ultrasonic dispersion treatment.

[0018] The ultrasonically dispersed complex solution was allowed to stand.

[0019] The clear liquid above the complex solution after it has been allowed to stand is used as the contrast agent solution.

[0020] In one embodiment, applying the contrast agent solution to the surface of the target sample includes:

[0021] Select the target sample area with a preset area;

[0022] The contrast agent solution is dropped into the center of the target sample area;

[0023] The contrast agent solution is evenly spread on the surface of the target sample so that it covers the entire target sample area.

[0024] In one embodiment, applying the contrast agent solution to the surface of the target sample further includes:

[0025] The target sample after the contrast agent solution is applied is left to stand at room temperature until there is no residual liquid contrast agent solution on the surface of the target sample.

[0026] In one embodiment, the step of performing X-ray scanning on the target sample to obtain three-dimensional image data includes:

[0027] At each scanning time point of the preset scanning time set, the target sample is scanned with X-rays to obtain instantaneous three-dimensional image data at multiple scanning time points;

[0028] The time series of three-dimensional image data is obtained based on multiple instantaneous three-dimensional image data.

[0029] In one embodiment, the mass transfer behavior data includes content distribution data; obtaining the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the three-dimensional image data includes:

[0030] The three-dimensional image data is segmented to obtain the image region of the contrast agent solution;

[0031] Three-dimensional reconstruction is performed on the image region of the contrast agent solution to obtain the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution within the target sample;

[0032] Based on a pre-established contrast agent concentration-grayscale value calibration curve, the grayscale values ​​in the three-dimensional image data are converted into contrast agent concentration data to obtain the content distribution data of the contrast agent solution in different regions of the target sample; the contrast agent concentration-grayscale value calibration curve is obtained by fitting three-dimensional image data of multiple contrast agent solutions with different gradient concentrations.

[0033] In one embodiment, the mass transfer behavior data further includes dynamic diffusion data; obtaining the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the three-dimensional image data includes:

[0034] Image segmentation and 3D reconstruction are performed on the 3D image data acquired at each scanning time point to obtain the spatial distribution data at each scanning time point;

[0035] Based on the aforementioned spatial distribution data, the penetration direction and diffusion rate of the contrast agent solution within the target sample are determined;

[0036] Based on the permeation direction and the diffusion rate, dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample are obtained.

[0037] In one embodiment, the target sample is a tobacco sample, the contrast agent solution containing metal elements is a zinc glycerol contrast agent solution, and the X-ray scan is a Micro-CT scan; by performing a Micro-CT scan on the tobacco sample after applying the zinc glycerol contrast agent solution, three-dimensional characterization data of the distribution and diffusion process of glycerol in the tobacco sample are obtained.

[0038] Secondly, this application provides a glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization device, the glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization device comprising:

[0039] The data acquisition module is used to acquire three-dimensional image data of a target sample obtained by X-ray scanning after applying a contrast agent solution containing metal elements;

[0040] The image processing module is used to perform denoising, segmentation, spatial registration and / or grayscale normalization on the three-dimensional image data;

[0041] The reconstruction analysis module is used to construct the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the processed three-dimensional image data;

[0042] The mass transfer data generation module is used to generate content distribution data and / or dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the spatial distribution data, and use it as equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

[0043] Thirdly, this application provides a computer device including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the method described above.

[0044] The aforementioned method, apparatus, and computer equipment for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior involve preparing a contrast agent solution containing metal elements with physicochemical properties matching glycerol, applying it to the surface of a target sample to simulate the initial state of glycerol, and then performing X-ray scanning on the target sample to non-destructively acquire three-dimensional image data reflecting the internal spatial distribution of the contrast agent. Based on the analysis of the three-dimensional image data, the migration law of the contrast agent is obtained, yielding mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample, which serves as mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample. This not only overcomes the problems of traditional optical methods being unable to penetrate deep into the interior and the inability to dynamically monitor through destructive slicing, but also accurately captures the microscopic migration path and macroscopic diffusion law of glycerol in complex porous structures, thereby achieving non-destructive, three-dimensional, and dynamic characterization of the mass transfer behavior of glycerol in the target sample. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the application environment of the glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization method in one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior in one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior in another embodiment;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a topographic image of a tobacco sample in one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a MicroCT image of the tobacco sample area ① before and after the addition of contrast agent in one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 6This is a MicroCT image of the tobacco sample area ② before and after the contrast agent was added in one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a MicroCT image of the tobacco sample area ③ before and after the addition of contrast agent in one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a MicroCT image of the tobacco sample area ④ before and after the addition of contrast agent in one embodiment;

[0053] Figure 9 This is a MicroCT image of the tobacco sample area ⑤ before and after the addition of contrast agent in one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of a glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization device in one embodiment;

[0055] Figure 11 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0056] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0057] The glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the application environment shown, terminal 102 is communicatively connected to X-ray scanning equipment 104. Terminal 102 acquires a contrast agent solution containing a metal element; the contrast agent solution has physicochemical properties matching glycerol; the contrast agent solution is applied to the surface of a target sample; the X-ray scanning equipment 104 is controlled to perform X-ray scanning on the target sample to obtain three-dimensional image data. Based on the three-dimensional image data, the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is obtained, which serves as the mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample. Terminal 102 may include, but is not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. X-ray scanning equipment 104 may include, but is not limited to, digital DR scanning equipment, X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning equipment, etc.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior is provided, and this method is applied to... Figure 1 Taking terminal 102 as an example, the methods for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior include:

[0059] Step S100: Obtain a contrast agent solution containing a metal element. The contrast agent solution has physicochemical properties that match those of glycerol.

[0060] Contrast agent solutions containing metal elements can be liquid media containing metal ions, which can be used to generate high-contrast signals in X-ray imaging, serving as a tracer alternative to glycerol, allowing its diffusion path and concentration distribution in porous materials to be visualized through differences in X-ray attenuation. Exemplarily, contrast agent solutions containing metal elements can be prepared by dissolving a soluble metal salt in a solvent. In this embodiment, depending on the type of metal element and functional factors such as biosafety and glycerol compatibility, contrast agent solutions containing metal elements can include, but are not limited to, one or more of potassium iodide solutions, barium salt solutions, gadolinium-based contrast agents, etc.

[0061] To prepare a contrast agent solution that matches the physicochemical properties of glycerol, for example, a solvent system with similar viscosity, surface tension, and polarity to glycerol can be selected, and a certain proportion of a metal element compound can be added to ensure that the flow resistance of the contrast agent in the porous medium is consistent with that of glycerol. Furthermore, the viscosity can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of the metal salt, and the wettability can be adjusted by adding a surfactant, enabling the contrast agent to simulate the capillary action of glycerol, thereby improving the consistency between the tracer's trajectory and the mass transfer path of glycerol, and avoiding measurement deviations caused by differences in physical properties.

[0062] Step S200: Apply the contrast agent solution to the surface of the target sample.

[0063] The target sample can be a porous material entity to be tested, such as tobacco leaves, food matrices, or pharmaceutical tablets, whose internal pore structure can affect the fluid's permeation rate and distribution pattern. For example, depending on the material's source, the target sample can include, but is not limited to, plant fiber tissue, starch gel networks, and polymer backbones.

[0064] Correspondingly, the contrast agent solution is applied to the surface of the target sample through methods such as dripping, spraying, or immersion, ensuring uniform contact of the contrast agent with a specific area of ​​the sample, thereby initiating the mass transfer process. Furthermore, micropipettes can be used to precisely control the application amount, and atomizing nozzles can be used to achieve large-area uniform coverage, thus establishing clear initial boundary conditions and ensuring the controllability and repeatability of the mass transfer initiation point.

[0065] Step S300: Perform X-ray scanning on the target sample to obtain three-dimensional image data.

[0066] In this embodiment, X-rays from an X-ray scanning device penetrate the object and detect the attenuation signal to reconstruct the internal structure, thereby non-destructively obtaining spatial distribution information of high-density regions within the sample. It is understood that, since the applied contrast agent solution is a solution containing metal elements, the glycerol mass transfer behavior of the target sample can be obtained more significantly via X-rays compared to pure glycerol materials.

[0067] Three-dimensional image data can be a digital three-dimensional matrix composed of voxels, where each voxel value represents a local X-ray attenuation coefficient. This allows for a direct visualization of the three-dimensional distribution of the contrast agent within the sample, eliminating overlap interference from two-dimensional imaging. For example, three-dimensional image data can be obtained by processing acquired two-dimensional projection data using filtering backprojection or iterative reconstruction algorithms. For example, depending on the data format, three-dimensional image data can include, but is not limited to, DICOM format data, RAW grayscale volumetric data, etc.

[0068] X-ray scanning of the target sample can, for example, involve placing the sample in an X-ray scanning device at different time points during the mass transfer process to capture changes in its internal structure. Furthermore, the target sample can be scanned at different angles to obtain the X-ray transmission characteristics at different scanning angles, thus non-destructively acquiring the dynamic evolution of the contrast agent distribution within the sample.

[0069] Step S400: Based on the three-dimensional image data, obtain the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample, and determine the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample as the equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

[0070] Mass transfer behavior data can be a dataset describing the concentration field, diffusion coefficient, and permeation front location of a fluid in a porous medium over time, used to quantitatively characterize the dynamic migration process of glycerol within a sample. For example, mass transfer behavior data can be obtained by quantitatively analyzing three-dimensional image data at different time points, extracting the grayscale value variation patterns, and mapping them to a concentration distribution. For example, mass transfer behavior data can include, but is not limited to, one or more parameters such as instantaneous concentration distribution, average diffusion rate curve, and effective diffusion coefficient.

[0071] Based on the analysis of mass transfer behavior using 3D image data, for example, this can be achieved by performing one or more processing steps on the reconstructed 3D image, such as denoising, segmentation, and grayscale calibration, to convert pixel grayscale values ​​into contrast agent concentrations, and then deriving the glycerol concentration distribution. Furthermore, image processing algorithms can be used to identify the penetration front, calculate the rate of change of average grayscale values ​​at different depths over time, and fit a diffusion model. This transforms abstract image signals into concrete physical quantities, enabling quantitative, three-dimensional, and dynamic characterization of the glycerol mass transfer process.

[0072] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing the mass transfer behavior of glycerol. A contrast agent solution containing metal elements, possessing physicochemical properties matching glycerol, is prepared and applied to the surface of a target sample to simulate the initial state of glycerol. X-ray scanning of the target sample non-destructively acquires three-dimensional image data reflecting the internal spatial distribution of the contrast agent. Based on the three-dimensional image data, the migration pattern of the contrast agent is analyzed to obtain mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample. This data serves as the mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample. This method not only overcomes the limitations of traditional optical methods in penetrating deep into the interior and the inability to dynamically monitor through destructive slicing, but also accurately captures the microscopic migration path and macroscopic diffusion pattern of glycerol in complex porous structures, thereby achieving non-destructive, three-dimensional, and dynamic characterization of the mass transfer behavior of glycerol in the target sample.

[0073] In one embodiment, obtaining a contrast agent solution containing a metal element includes:

[0074] Metal salts are mixed with glycerol and subjected to reflux reaction under heating conditions to form metal-glycerol complexes;

[0075] The metal-glycerol complex was filtered and washed to obtain the purified metal-glycerol complex.

[0076] The purified metal-glycerol complex was mixed with water at a preset concentration;

[0077] A contrast agent solution was prepared based on the mixed complex solution.

[0078] The metal salt can be an inorganic compound containing a metal cation and an acid radical anion. For example, the metal salt can undergo a coordination reaction with glycerol under heating conditions to form a complex structure with specific X-ray absorption characteristics. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal salt can be one or more transition metal or heavy metal salts that readily form coordination bonds with hydroxyl groups, including but not limited to ferric chloride, bismuth nitrate, and zinc acetate.

[0079] In this embodiment, glycerol, as a polyol compound with three hydroxyl groups, can be used as a reactant to participate in the coordination reaction. It is understood that the glycerol used to form the complex in this embodiment not only serves as the tracer for glycerol, but the hydroxyl groups in its molecule can also form stable coordination bonds with metal ions, ensuring uniform dispersion of the metal element and that its physicochemical properties are highly consistent with pure glycerol.

[0080] Metal-glycerol complexes are stable complexes formed by the coordination bonds between metal ions and glycerol molecules, preventing the separation of metal ions and glycerol molecules during mass transfer and ensuring the accuracy of tracing.

[0081] Mixing a metal salt with glycerol and subjecting it to a reflux reaction can be exemplified by adding a measured amount of metal salt to glycerol, stirring to initially disperse it, and then reflux heating in a heating device, maintaining a certain temperature and time. Alternatively, an oil bath or electric heating mantle can be used to control the temperature below the boiling point of glycerol while sufficiently promoting the coordination reaction, and reflux condensation can prevent solvent evaporation loss. It is understood that by mixing the metal salt with glycerol and subjecting it to a reflux reaction, sufficient contact and chemical reaction between metal ions and glycerol molecules can be promoted, forming a structurally stable metal-glycerol complex, ensuring that the metal element exists in a chemically bonded form rather than a simple physical mixture.

[0082] Purified metal-glycerol complexes can be solid or concentrated metal-glycerol complexes from which unreacted metal salts, byproducts and impurities have been removed. This can improve the purity and stability of the contrast agent and prevent impurities from interfering with X-ray imaging contrast or affecting the physicochemical properties of the sample.

[0083] For metal-glycerol complexes, filtration and washing can be performed, for example, by using filter paper or a microporous membrane for solid-liquid separation, collecting the solid precipitate or residue, and washing with a suitable solvent. Furthermore, vacuum filtration can be used to accelerate the filtration process, and organic solvents such as ethanol or acetone can be used for washing to remove residual free glycerol and unreacted salts. This removes unreacted metal salts and other byproducts, improves the purity of the complex, and avoids independent diffusion of free metal ions in subsequent experiments, which could lead to tracer errors.

[0084] The purified metal-glycerol complex is mixed with water at a preset concentration, thereby adjusting the concentration of the final solution to ensure that it has sufficient X-ray contrast while maintaining rheological properties similar to those of glycerol solutions in the target application scenario.

[0085] A contrast agent solution is prepared based on the mixed complex solution. For example, the mixed complex solution can be used as the contrast agent solution, or the complex solution can be further processed to obtain the contrast agent solution.

[0086] For example, further processing may include, but is not limited to, volume adjustment and homogenization, so that the physicochemical properties of the contrast agent solution, such as viscosity, surface tension, and density, are highly consistent with those of the glycerol to be tested, while the contrast agent has excellent X-ray imaging capabilities.

[0087] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing the mass transfer behavior of glycerol. The method involves mixing a metal salt with glycerol and subjecting the mixture to a reflux reaction under heating conditions to form a metal-glycerol complex. The metal-glycerol complex is then filtered and washed to obtain a purified metal-glycerol complex. This purified complex is mixed with water at a preset concentration, and a contrast agent solution is prepared based on the mixed complex solution. The reflux reaction allows for the formation of stable coordination bonds, ensuring that the metal tracer atoms always follow the movement of the glycerol molecules. The filtration and washing purification steps eliminate interference from free metal salts and impurities, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the imaging and the accuracy of data interpretation. The final water-based complex solution, through precise control of concentration and physicochemical parameters, can more realistically simulate the mass transfer behavior of glycerol under actual working conditions. This allows the three-dimensional image data obtained by X-ray scanning to more realistically and quantitatively reflect the microscopic migration mechanism of glycerol within porous materials, achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy and reliability of glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization.

[0088] In one embodiment, the contrast agent solution is prepared based on the mixed complex solution, comprising:

[0089] The mixed complex solution was then subjected to ultrasonic dispersion.

[0090] The ultrasonically dispersed complex solution was allowed to stand.

[0091] The clear supernatant of the complex solution after standing was used as the contrast agent solution.

[0092] Ultrasonic dispersion is a physical process that utilizes the cavitation effect and mechanical vibration generated by ultrasound in a liquid to break up particles and promote dispersion. This can break down the microscopic aggregates that metal-glycerol complexes may form in water, thereby improving the homogeneity of the solution. For example, a container holding the mixed complex solution is placed in an ultrasonic cleaner or a probe-type ultrasonic instrument, and irradiated with a specific frequency, power, and treatment time to achieve ultrasonic dispersion.

[0093] By allowing the ultrasonically dispersed complex solution to stand, the interference of microbubbles introduced by ultrasound on X-ray imaging can be eliminated, and a small amount of undissolved large particles can be removed by gravity sedimentation, ensuring the purity of the sample taken.

[0094] The supernatant can be the clear, transparent liquid portion at the top of the container after settling, free of visible suspended matter. It is understood that the supernatant has higher homogeneity and stability, is free of bubbles and large particulate impurities, and is suitable for high-precision X-ray scanning, thus it can be used as the final contrast agent solution.

[0095] The clear supernatant is used as the contrast agent solution. Exemplarily, this can be achieved by using a pipette, syringe, decantation, or other methods to extract or pour out the clear liquid from the top of the container, avoiding disturbance of the sediment layer at the bottom. In one specific embodiment, the clear supernatant can also be automatically drawn using a siphon principle, or a dispensing head with a filtration function can be used to further intercept potential particles during the transfer process. This ensures that the final contrast agent solution is free of air bubbles and solid impurities, avoiding X-ray artifacts caused by air bubbles or uneven application due to particle blockage, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of characterization data and the reproducibility of the experiment.

[0096] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing the mass transfer behavior of glycerol. By ultrasonically dispersing the mixed complex solution to break up micro-aggregates and improve homogeneity, and then using gravity sedimentation to remove air bubbles and large insoluble particles, the supernatant of the complex solution after settling is used as a contrast agent solution. This method can significantly improve the micro-uniformity and macro-stability of the contrast agent solution, eliminate common sources of artifacts in X-ray imaging, and make the three-dimensional dynamic characterization results based on X-ray CT more realistic and reliable. It also reduces measurement errors caused by the inhomogeneity of the contrast agent itself, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy and reliability of the characterization of glycerol mass transfer behavior.

[0097] In one embodiment, applying the contrast agent solution to the surface of the target sample includes:

[0098] Select the target sample area with a preset area;

[0099] Add the contrast agent solution dropwise to the center of the target sample area;

[0100] The contrast agent solution is spread evenly on the surface of the target sample so that it covers the entire target sample area.

[0101] The target sample region with a preset area can be a test area with a specific geometric shape and size range delineated on the surface of the target sample. It is used to limit the observation range of mass transfer behavior and eliminate the interference of edge effects or non-representative areas on experimental results, so as to ensure the consistency and comparability of data.

[0102] Accordingly, a target sample area of ​​a preset size is selected, and specific test windows can be marked on the surface of the target sample as needed. In one specific embodiment, after capturing images with a high-resolution camera, the software can delineate the region of interest to clarify the spatial constraints of the experiment.

[0103] The central position can be the geometric center or centroid of a target sample region of a predetermined area, and can serve as the starting point for contrast agent application. For example, the central position can be calculated based on the geometric symmetry of the region, or it can be precisely located using a visual aid system.

[0104] Accordingly, the contrast agent solution is added dropwise to the center of the target sample area. This can be done using a micropipette, precision dropper, or other dropping device to draw a fixed amount of contrast agent solution and slowly release it vertically to the predetermined central position. Furthermore, to prevent droplet impact from damaging the sample surface or causing liquid splashing, an automated sample introduction system can be used to control the dropping speed and volume.

[0105] Uniform spreading is the process of forming a liquid contrast agent of uniform thickness and complete coverage on the surface of a solid sample. It can be used to establish uniform initial concentration boundary conditions, avoiding non-uniform penetration caused by excessively high or low local concentrations, and ensuring the accuracy of mass transfer behavior data. For example, depending on the roughness and wettability of the sample surface, uniform spreading operations can include, but are not limited to, spin coating, blade coating, and inclined flow methods.

[0106] For example, uniform spreading on the target sample surface can be achieved using tools or physical mechanisms to encourage the added droplets to expand from the center to the edges until they completely cover the predetermined area with uniform thickness. In one exemplary embodiment, this can be achieved by gently smoothing the liquid in a single or spiral direction using, for example, a soft scraper; by extending the liquid using centrifugal force generated by the slow rotation of the sample stage; or by adjusting the sample tilt angle to utilize gravity-assisted flow. It is understood that uniform spreading avoids droplet aggregation caused by surface tension, forming a thin film-like coating layer. This ensures maximum contact area between the contrast agent and the sample surface and a uniform initial concentration distribution, thereby realistically simulating the initial mass transfer state of glycerol after uniform application in actual processes and reducing measurement errors caused by uneven initial distribution.

[0107] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing the mass transfer behavior of glycerol. By selecting a target sample area of ​​a preset size, adding a contrast agent solution to the center of the target sample area, and uniformly spreading the contrast agent solution on the surface of the target sample to cover the entire target sample area, the method can optimize the initial conditions for contrast agent application and avoid uneven initial concentration gradients caused by differences in human operation. This allows for a more accurate separation of the influence of the internal pore structure of the material on mass transfer, making the obtained three-dimensional image data more realistically reflect the physical characteristics of the target sample.

[0108] In one embodiment, applying the contrast agent solution to the surface of the target sample further includes:

[0109] The target sample after applying the contrast agent solution was left to stand at room temperature until no liquid contrast agent solution remained on the surface of the target sample.

[0110] In this process, the contrast agent is allowed to stand at room temperature. For example, the sample after the contrast agent application is completed can be transferred to a test bench free from vibration and strong airflow interference, and the ambient temperature is kept constant. The sample is then allowed to stand naturally, thereby ensuring that the distribution of the contrast agent in the initial stage is only affected by the physical properties of the material itself (such as porosity and wettability), avoiding unnatural penetration caused by external mechanical energy input, and ensuring the purity and repeatability of the experimental conditions.

[0111] The state of no residual liquid can be the state in which there are no longer free-flowing droplets or continuous liquid films on the macroscopic surface of the target sample, but the corresponding amount of contrast agent solution has been absorbed or adsorbed inside the microscopic pores. It can be used to establish the "zero time" reference point for mass transfer experiments. At this time, the external source term disappears, and the internal mass transfer is completely determined by the concentration gradient and pore structure of the infiltrated part.

[0112] Monitoring until no residual liquid contrast agent solution remains on the surface can be achieved, for example, through image recognition, microscopic imaging, or by using, for example, a high-precision electronic balance to monitor the surface state and mass changes of the sample in real time. When the liquid film on the surface disappears and the mass tends to stabilize, it is considered that no residual liquid contrast agent solution remains on the surface.

[0113] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior. By allowing the target sample after applying the contrast agent solution to stand at room temperature until no residual liquid contrast agent solution remains on the surface of the target sample, the initial boundary conditions for mass transfer characterization can be optimized. This avoids signal interference caused by residual free liquid on the surface during the application process in subsequent X-ray scanning, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the internal mass transfer image. At the same time, it allows the contrast agent to complete preliminary wetting and capillary filling at the microscale, establishing a more stable and realistic initial concentration distribution profile, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization. This achieves the technical effect of improving the accuracy and reliability of glycerol mass transfer behavior data analysis results based on 3D image data inversion.

[0114] In one embodiment, X-ray scanning of the target sample to obtain three-dimensional image data includes:

[0115] At each scanning time point of the preset scanning time set, the target sample is scanned with X-rays to obtain instantaneous three-dimensional image data at multiple scanning time points;

[0116] Based on multiple instantaneous 3D image data, time-series 3D image data is obtained.

[0117] The preset scan time set can be an array or list of multiple discrete time points pre-defined based on the glycerol mass transfer kinetics characteristics. For example, the preset scan time set can be determined based on factors such as the theoretically calculated estimated glycerol diffusion rate, the total experimental duration, and actual requirements. For example, the preset scan time set can be a linear or nonlinear set of time points; for instance, it can be a set of equally spaced time points or a non-uniform set of time points based on a logarithmic or exponential distribution.

[0118] Instantaneous three-dimensional image data can be three-dimensional volume data that reflects the distribution state of contrast agent inside the sample at a single scanning time point, obtained by X-ray scanning reconstruction. It can be understood as a snapshot of the mass transfer process, recording the instantaneous three-dimensional spatial concentration distribution of the contrast agent solution inside the sample at that time point.

[0119] Time series three-dimensional image data can be four-dimensional data composed of multiple instantaneous three-dimensional image data arranged in chronological order. It can be used to completely reconstruct the dynamic evolution of glycerol mass transfer and support continuous analysis of dynamic parameters such as the mass transfer front advance rate and local concentration change rate.

[0120] To construct time-series data based on instantaneous data, for example, all acquired instantaneous 3D image data can be timestamped and stored in chronological order on a storage medium to establish a time index. Furthermore, spatial rigid registration can be performed on each instantaneous data point before storage to eliminate errors caused by minute sample displacements, and then the data can be encapsulated into a unified time-series data structure.

[0121] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior. By performing X-ray scanning on the target sample at each scanning time point of a preset scanning time set, instantaneous three-dimensional image data at multiple scanning time points are obtained. Based on the multiple instantaneous three-dimensional image data, time-series three-dimensional image data are obtained, which can realize high spatiotemporal resolution non-destructive monitoring of glycerol mass transfer behavior, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization.

[0122] In one embodiment, the mass transfer behavior data includes content distribution data; based on three-dimensional image data, the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample includes:

[0123] Image segmentation is performed on the three-dimensional image data to obtain the image region of the contrast agent solution;

[0124] Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on the image region of the contrast agent solution to obtain the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution within the target sample.

[0125] Based on a pre-established contrast agent concentration-grayscale value calibration curve, the grayscale values ​​in the three-dimensional image data are converted into contrast agent concentration data, thereby obtaining the content distribution data of the contrast agent solution in different regions of the target sample.

[0126] Image segmentation algorithms are computer vision processing techniques used to subdivide digital images into multiple image subsets. For example, image segmentation algorithms can separate a target from the background using methods such as thresholding, region growing, clustering, and deep learning networks, based on pixel-based grayscale, color, texture, or edge features. Furthermore, depending on the algorithm's principle, image segmentation algorithms may include, but are not limited to, one or more of K-means clustering segmentation, U-Net convolutional neural network segmentation, and level set methods.

[0127] The image region of the contrast agent solution can be a set of voxels marked as containing contrast agent components after image segmentation, thereby clearly defining the actual space occupied by glycerol inside the sample.

[0128] For image segmentation of 3D image data, for example, one can read the reconstructed 3D volume data, apply a preset segmentation algorithm to identify and label voxels representing the contrast agent, and generate binarized or multi-labeled mask data. For example, an adaptive thresholding method can be used for segmentation extraction to cope with uneven illumination, effectively separate the contrast agent signal from the sample skeleton background, eliminate interference from non-target areas, and ensure the accuracy of subsequent analysis.

[0129] Spatial distribution data can describe the geometric position, morphological structure and relative relationship of the contrast agent in the three-dimensional space of the target sample. It can intuitively present the microscopic path and macroscopic diffusion morphology of glycerol mass transfer and reveal the role of the internal structure of porous materials in hindering or guiding mass transfer behavior.

[0130] Correspondingly, 3D reconstruction of the image region of the contrast agent solution can be performed by restoring the continuous geometric shape of the contrast agent in 3D space based on the mask data obtained from segmentation, thus constructing distribution data containing spatial location information, i.e., spatial distribution data. Furthermore, isosurface extraction algorithms can be used to extract isosurfaces and generate mesh models, or the voxel structure can be directly preserved for volume rendering, achieving logical reconstruction from 2D slices to 3D entities.

[0131] The contrast agent concentration-grayscale calibration curve is obtained by fitting three-dimensional image data of contrast agent solutions with different concentration gradients. These different concentration gradients can be multiple contrast agents of varying concentrations, with the concentrations varying in a stepwise manner. This provides multiple sets of differentiated samples for establishing the correlation between concentration and grayscale values. For example, three-dimensional image data of contrast agent solutions with different concentration gradients can be extracted to obtain grayscale value data sets corresponding to each concentration. The concentration data and corresponding grayscale value data are then used as data points input into the fitting model to solve for the functional relationship that best fits all data points, thereby establishing the contrast agent concentration-grayscale calibration curve.

[0132] Based on a pre-established contrast agent concentration-grayscale value calibration curve, the grayscale values ​​in the three-dimensional image data are converted into contrast agent concentration data to perform quantitative analysis of the grayscale values ​​of the spatial distribution data. For example, the grayscale values ​​of each voxel in the spatial distribution data can be traversed and mapped to the corresponding contrast agent concentration values ​​according to the calibration curve to obtain the content distribution data of the contrast agent solution in different regions of the target sample, thereby realizing the transformation from qualitative image to quantitative concentration distribution.

[0133] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior. It involves image segmentation of three-dimensional image data to obtain the image region of the contrast agent solution; three-dimensional reconstruction of the image region of the contrast agent solution to obtain the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution within the target sample; and conversion of the gray values ​​in the three-dimensional image data into contrast agent concentration data based on a pre-established contrast agent concentration-gray value calibration curve to obtain the content distribution data of the contrast agent solution in different regions of the target sample. Image segmentation can effectively remove sample matrix noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. By converting the gray values ​​in the three-dimensional image data into contrast agent concentration data based on the pre-established contrast agent concentration-gray value calibration curve, a precise mapping between image signals and physical concentrations is established, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy and resolution of glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization.

[0134] In one embodiment, the mass transfer behavior data further includes dynamic diffusion data; based on three-dimensional image data, the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample includes:

[0135] Image segmentation and 3D reconstruction were performed on the 3D image data acquired at each scanning time point to obtain the spatial distribution data at each scanning time point;

[0136] Based on the spatial distribution data, the penetration direction and diffusion rate of the contrast agent solution inside the target sample are determined;

[0137] Based on the permeation direction and diffusion rate, dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample were obtained.

[0138] Among them, the spatial distribution data at each scanning time point can be data that reflects the three-dimensional geometric occupancy state and concentration gradient of the contrast agent in the sample, which is obtained by image processing reconstruction at a specific time.

[0139] Image segmentation and 3D reconstruction of the 3D image data at each scanning time point can be performed by referring to the image segmentation and 3D reconstruction methods described in any of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0140] The direction of permeation can be considered as the spatial vector pointing in the direction of the main migration path of the contrast agent solution in a porous medium, reflecting the dominant trend of pore connectivity within the material. Understandably, the direction of permeation can be used to identify anisotropic characteristics within a sample, determining whether glycerol permeates rapidly along the fiber axis or diffuses laterally due to obstruction by dense layers.

[0141] The diffusion rate can be a parameter representing the increase in the distance a contrast agent solution penetrates within a sample per unit time, or how quickly the concentration field changes. Understandably, the diffusion rate can be used to quantify mass transfer efficiency, assess the magnitude of mass transfer resistance in different regions or over different time periods, and identify fast channels and dead zones.

[0142] To determine the penetration direction and diffusion rate of the contrast agent solution within the target sample, for example, spatial distribution data at adjacent time points can be registered and aligned, the spatial displacement vector of the penetration front can be calculated to determine the direction, and the displacement modulus can be calculated in conjunction with the time interval to obtain the rate. In other embodiments, the voxel-level motion field can be estimated using optical flow, or the normal vector and propagation velocity can be obtained by fitting the equation of the penetration front surface.

[0143] Dynamic diffusion data can be a comprehensive dataset describing the concentration changes, positional migration, and morphological evolution of contrast agent solutions within a target sample over time. This allows for the quantitative characterization of the unsteady transport process of glycerol in porous media, revealing mass transfer resistance, anisotropy, and localized hindering effects. For example, depending on the data composition, dynamic diffusion data may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: instantaneous diffusion coefficient tensor, permeation front propagation velocity curve, local concentration gradient field, and effective porosity change rate.

[0144] Dynamic diffusion data is obtained based on the permeation direction and diffusion rate. For example, a dynamic database that varies with time and space can be constructed by integrating the permeation direction vector and diffusion rate values ​​at all time points, and then statistical analysis and visualization mapping can be performed to obtain dynamic diffusion data.

[0145] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior. By performing image segmentation and 3D reconstruction on the 3D image data acquired at each scanning time point, spatial distribution data at each scanning time point is obtained. Based on the spatial distribution data, the penetration direction and diffusion rate of the contrast agent solution inside the target sample are determined. Based on the penetration direction and diffusion rate, dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample are obtained. The penetration direction and diffusion rate of the contrast agent inside the sample can be accurately calculated, resulting in dynamic diffusion data covering the spatiotemporal dimensions. Compared with methods that only obtain static content distribution, this embodiment can dynamically capture transient changes and anisotropic characteristics during the mass transfer process. It can not only quantitatively evaluate the mass transfer efficiency, but also identify key structural factors that lead to mass transfer obstruction or acceleration, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization.

[0146] In one embodiment, the target sample is a tobacco sample, the contrast agent solution containing metal elements is a zinc glycerol contrast agent solution, and the X-ray scan is a Micro-CT scan; by performing a Micro-CT scan on the tobacco sample after applying the zinc glycerol contrast agent solution, three-dimensional characterization data of the distribution and diffusion process of glycerol in the tobacco sample are obtained.

[0147] Among them, the glycerol zinc contrast agent solution can be prepared by combining zinc and glycerol. Its physicochemical properties, such as viscosity, surface tension, and density, are highly matched with those of glycerol, thus simulating the mass transfer behavior of glycerol in the sample.

[0148] In this embodiment, Micro-CT scanning is used to detect the distribution of contrast agents in tobacco samples, and its scanning parameters can be adjusted according to sample size and contrast agent concentration.

[0149] By performing Micro-CT scanning on tobacco samples after applying the zinc glycerol contrast agent solution, three-dimensional characterization data of the distribution and diffusion process of glycerol in the tobacco sample can be obtained. For example, the zinc glycerol contrast agent solution can be uniformly applied to the surface of the tobacco sample, and then the sample can be placed in a Micro-CT scanner. Scanning can be performed at multiple preset time points after application to obtain three-dimensional image data at each time point. Further, the three-dimensional image data can be processed by an image processing device to perform noise reduction, segmentation, spatial registration and / or grayscale normalization. Based on the processed three-dimensional image data, the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample can be constructed. This allows for dynamic tracking of the penetration path and diffusion rate of the zinc glycerol contrast agent solution in the tobacco sample, thereby obtaining the content distribution data and / or dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample, which can be used as equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

[0150] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, a detailed embodiment is also provided.

[0151] In tobacco product processing, glycerol, as a key humectant and flavor carrier, plays a crucial role. Its internal distribution and dynamic penetration behavior significantly influence the physical properties of tobacco (such as flexibility and combustion uniformity) and its final sensory quality (such as the stability and uniformity of aroma release). Therefore, accurately characterizing the three-dimensional distribution and diffusion patterns of glycerol within the complex porous structure of tobacco is essential for optimizing flavoring and flavoring processes and improving product quality. Traditional characterization methods relied upon by the industry have long included destructive sampling combined with chemical analysis techniques (such as gas chromatography and liquid chromatography) and two-dimensional imaging-based microscopy techniques (such as cryosectioning combined with optical microscopy). These methods have significant limitations: destructive chemical analysis techniques require grinding and destroying tobacco samples, failing to preserve the original three-dimensional structural information of the tobacco, thus making it impossible to obtain the true spatial distribution of glycerol; simultaneously, existing technologies struggle to achieve non-destructive, real-time in-situ observation, failing to track the dynamic diffusion process of glycerol within the tobacco pore network, and only providing discrete data at specific static time points. In addition, optical microscopy is limited by sample transparency and two-dimensional field of view, making it difficult to penetrate deep tobacco tissue to obtain high-resolution three-dimensional images. Although confocal microscopy has a certain three-dimensional imaging capability, its penetration depth is limited and it is easily interfered with by the fluorescence of the tobacco matrix itself, affecting the imaging quality and the accuracy of quantitative analysis.

[0152] Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) technology, with its advantages of non-destructive, high-resolution 3D imaging, has been widely used in materials science and biomedicine. However, directly applying Micro-CT technology to observe the distribution and diffusion of small organic molecules such as glycerol in tobacco faces a fundamental technical challenge: glycerol has extremely low X-ray absorption, and its attenuation coefficient is very close to that of the tobacco matrix (mainly composed of organic components such as cellulose and hemicellulose). This slight difference in attenuation results in severely insufficient contrast in the scanned images, making it impossible to clearly distinguish glycerol from the tobacco background in the reconstructed 3D images, and making accurate image segmentation and quantitative analysis even more difficult. To solve the contrast problem, existing techniques attempt to use heavy metal salt staining agents (such as potassium iodide solution) to enhance X-ray absorption in specific areas. However, these staining agents usually have significantly different physicochemical properties from glycerol (such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and permeability). Their own permeation and diffusion behavior cannot realistically simulate the migration law and dynamic process of glycerol in the porous tobacco medium, resulting in distorted observation results that cannot accurately reflect the actual distribution and diffusion state of glycerol. Therefore, developing a contrast agent that can significantly improve X-ray imaging contrast while precisely matching the key physicochemical properties of glycerol is crucial for achieving three-dimensional dynamic non-destructive characterization of glycerol within tobacco. In summary, the tobacco industry urgently needs a technical means to achieve non-destructive, three-dimensional, dynamic observation and quantitative analysis to accurately reveal the complex distribution patterns and diffusion mechanisms of glycerol within tobacco, thereby providing reliable data support and theoretical basis for scientifically optimizing additive and flavoring process parameters and improving the quality of tobacco products.

[0153] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior is provided. Taking the application of this method to the analysis of the physicochemical properties of tobacco as an example, this method is used to non-destructively, three-dimensionally, and dynamically observe the penetration behavior and distribution of flavoring substances such as glycerol inside tobacco. It solves the problem in the prior art that glycerol in tobacco has low imaging contrast in Micro-CT and is difficult to distinguish from the contrast of tobacco. The method includes the following steps:

[0154] A contrast agent containing metal elements is prepared to simulate glycerol; the physicochemical properties of the contrast agent are matched with those of glycerol, and clear imaging can be achieved through Micro-CT technology.

[0155] The contrast agent is applied to the surface of the tobacco sample, allowing it to naturally penetrate into the interior of the sample. Synthetic zinc glycerol is then dropped onto the tobacco sample, ensuring its uniform distribution on the surface.

[0156] Micro-CT technology was used to scan tobacco samples after the application of contrast agent, and the scans were performed at regular intervals to obtain three-dimensional structural image data at different time points.

[0157] The three-dimensional structural image data is analyzed to characterize the spatial distribution and diffusion of the contrast agent in the tobacco sample over time, thereby characterizing the distribution and diffusion of glycerol.

[0158] Furthermore, the prepared contrast agent containing metal elements is a zinc glycerol solution. The specific preparation steps are as follows: Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and excess glycerol are added to a reaction vessel and refluxed at 160-180 °C for 3-5 hours. The resulting mixture is then transferred to a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave and maintained at 130-150 °C for 15-20 hours. The product mixture is filtered and then washed with distilled water. Pure water is then added to prepare a 0.1-20% (w / w) solution of the synthesized zinc glycerol, which is the contrast agent used to simulate glycerol. Physical property tests were conducted on the surface tension, density, and viscosity of the zinc glycerol contrast agent solution, as well as its contact angle on the tobacco leaf surface, confirming that its physical properties are similar to those of glycerol.

[0159] Furthermore, the glycerol-zinc solution has a mass fraction of 0.1% to 20%. Further, the mass fraction can be selected as 1% to 10%.

[0160] Furthermore, the density, viscosity, and permeability of the contrast agent are matched with the corresponding physical properties of glycerol.

[0161] Furthermore, scanning tobacco samples after the application of contrast agent using Micro-CT technology includes performing multiple Micro-CT scans on the same tobacco sample at different time points after the application of contrast agent to obtain time-series three-dimensional image data characterizing the dynamic penetration process of contrast agent, thereby achieving dynamic tracking of the diffusion process.

[0162] Furthermore, the analysis of the three-dimensional structural image data includes: performing image segmentation, reconstruction, and quantitative analysis of grayscale values ​​on the three-dimensional structural image data to quantitatively calculate the content and distribution uniformity of the contrast agent in different regions of the tobacco sample.

[0163] In one exemplary embodiment, the method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior includes:

[0164] Preparation of the contrast agent. The first step is to reflux Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O with excess glycerol at 160-180 °C for 3-5 hours. The resulting mixture is then transferred to a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave and maintained at 130-150 °C for 15-20 hours. The product mixture is filtered and then washed with distilled water. Purified water is then added to prepare a 0.1-20% (w / w) solution of the synthesized zinc glycerol. Surface tension, contact angle, and density tests are performed to ensure that its physical properties are similar to those of glycerol.

[0165] Zinc glycerol dissolution. In the second step, the solution of synthesized zinc glycerol is dispersed by high-frequency ultrasound using water as the solvent. Ultrasonic assistance is employed to better dissolve the zinc glycerol. Ultrasonic waves generate high-frequency vibrations when propagating in a liquid, which helps eliminate particle aggregation, thus ensuring complete dissolution in water.

[0166] The third step involves adding the prepared contrast agent onto the tobacco leaves and spreading it evenly on the surface using a dropper to ensure uniform distribution of the sample. Afterward, the tobacco sample with the added contrast agent is left to stand for several tens of minutes to allow it to fully absorb into the tobacco leaves, simulating the tobacco feeding process.

[0167] Micro-CT scanning. Micro-CT technology is used to scan tobacco samples and acquire their three-dimensional structural image data. Scans are performed at regular intervals to obtain three-dimensional structural images of the diffusion and distribution of the contrast agent within the tobacco sample.

[0168] Data analysis. By analyzing 3D image data collected at different time points, quantitative analysis of the spatial distribution of contrast agents (simulated glycerol, etc.) within tobacco samples and visualization of the dynamic permeation process can be achieved.

[0169] By following the above five steps, this method can effectively observe the penetration behavior and distribution of additives such as glycerin inside tobacco.

[0170] In one specific embodiment, a 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm area was taken from a tobacco leaf. Micro-CT imaging of the original sample was performed at room temperature. During this process, the zinc glycerol solution was dispersed using high-frequency ultrasound. The dispersed sample was then allowed to stand for 5-10 minutes to ensure uniform distribution. A suitable amount of zinc glycerol solution was then added dropwise to the center of the tobacco leaf using a pipette. The sample was left at room temperature for several tens of minutes to allow complete absorption of the zinc glycerol solution. Micro-CT imaging was then performed on the tobacco leaf with the added zinc glycerol, and the three-dimensional structural image data was analyzed to characterize the spatial distribution and time-varying diffusion of zinc glycerol in the tobacco sample, thereby characterizing the distribution and diffusion of glycerol. Figure 4 As shown, the prepared tobacco samples exhibit a unique structural morphology, with an overall structure that is thicker in the middle and thinner around the edges. The veins and thickness of the tobacco vary in different regions, leading to differences in glycerol absorption. Therefore, the tobacco leaf was divided into nine regions, and the Micro-CT imaging of each region was studied to characterize the thinner structure around the edges, which is beneficial for observing the internal structure of the tobacco sample. This allows for characterizing the spatial distribution and diffusion of glycerol and zinc in different regions of the tobacco, thus providing a deeper understanding of glycerol absorption in different areas of the tobacco. Typical results are shown below. Figures 5 to 9 As shown, where, Figure 5MicroCT images of tobacco sample region ① before and after the addition of contrast agent; Figure 6 MicroCT images of tobacco sample region ② before and after the addition of contrast agent; Figure 7 MicroCT images of tobacco sample region ③ before and after adding contrast agent; Figure 8 MicroCT images of tobacco sample area ④ before and after adding contrast agent; Figure 9 MicroCT images of tobacco sample area ⑤ before and after adding contrast agent.

[0171] This embodiment provides a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior, specifically a method for characterizing the distribution and diffusion of glycerol in tobacco based on Micro-CT. By preparing a zinc glycerol contrast agent that highly matches the physicochemical properties of glycerol and has strong X-ray absorption, and combining it with time-series Micro-CT scanning technology, i.e., using non-destructive, three-dimensional, dynamic in-situ imaging technology, in-situ visualization characterization of the simulated glycerol penetration and diffusion process inside tobacco is achieved. The spatial distribution characteristics and dynamic diffusion law of glycerol in the tobacco matrix are accurately captured and quantified, effectively solving the technical problem that it is difficult to observe the penetration behavior and distribution state of glycerol inside tobacco non-destructively, in three dimensions, and dynamically in existing technologies.

[0172] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0173] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an apparatus for implementing the method described above. The solution provided by this apparatus is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, specific limitations in one or more apparatus embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0174] In one embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, this application provides a glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization device, the glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization device comprising:

[0175] The data acquisition module 100 is used to acquire three-dimensional image data obtained by X-ray scanning of a target sample after applying a contrast agent solution containing metal elements.

[0176] Image processing module 200 is used to perform denoising, segmentation, spatial registration and / or grayscale normalization on the three-dimensional image data;

[0177] The reconstruction analysis module 300 is used to construct the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the processed three-dimensional image data.

[0178] The mass transfer data generation module 400 is used to generate content distribution data and / or dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the spatial distribution data, and use it as equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

[0179] The three-dimensional image data obtained by X-ray scanning of the target sample after applying a contrast agent solution containing metal elements can be obtained by the three-dimensional image data acquisition method in any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0180] The three-dimensional image data undergoes denoising, segmentation, spatial registration, and / or grayscale normalization. Denoising can be achieved through one or more of Gaussian filtering, median filtering, or nonlocal mean filtering. Segmentation can be based on thresholding, region growing, or deep learning models to distinguish the target sample region from the background. Spatial registration aligns three-dimensional images acquired at different time points to the same coordinate system. Grayscale normalization eliminates brightness differences between different scanning batches, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent analysis.

[0181] Based on the processed 3D image data, the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample can be constructed. For example, the preprocessed image data can be transformed into a 3D spatial distribution reflecting the concentration or density of the contrast agent within the sample by means of voxel gray value mapping, 3D interpolation, or statistical modeling.

[0182] Based on the spatial distribution data, the content distribution data and / or dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample are generated. The content distribution data and dynamic diffusion data can be obtained by referring to the acquisition method in any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0183] This embodiment provides a glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization device. A data acquisition module acquires three-dimensional image data obtained from X-ray scanning. An image processing module performs denoising, segmentation, spatial registration, and / or grayscale normalization on the three-dimensional image data. A reconstruction analysis module constructs spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the processed three-dimensional image data. A mass transfer data generation module generates content distribution data and / or dynamic diffusion data based on the spatial distribution data and uses these as equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample. This not only overcomes the problems of traditional optical methods being unable to penetrate deep into the interior and destructive sections being unable to dynamically monitor the process, but also accurately captures the microscopic migration path and macroscopic diffusion law of glycerol in complex porous structures, thereby achieving non-destructive, three-dimensional, and dynamic characterization of the mass transfer behavior of glycerol in the target sample.

[0184] Each module in the aforementioned glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device in hardware form, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0185] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, communication interface, display screen, and input devices connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When executed by the processor, the computer program implements a method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink display. The input devices can be a touch layer covering the display screen, buttons, a trackball, or a touchpad mounted on the computer device casing, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse.

[0186] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 11 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0187] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization method of any of the above embodiments:

[0188] Obtain a contrast agent solution containing a metal element; the contrast agent solution has physicochemical properties that match those of glycerol;

[0189] The contrast agent solution is applied to the surface of the target sample;

[0190] The target sample was subjected to X-ray scanning to obtain three-dimensional image data;

[0191] Based on the three-dimensional image data, mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is obtained, and the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is determined as the equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

[0192] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization method of any of the above embodiments:

[0193] Obtain a contrast agent solution containing a metal element; the contrast agent solution has physicochemical properties that match those of glycerol;

[0194] The contrast agent solution is applied to the surface of the target sample;

[0195] The target sample was subjected to X-ray scanning to obtain three-dimensional image data;

[0196] Based on the three-dimensional image data, mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is obtained, and the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is determined as the equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

[0197] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0198] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments described above. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0199] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0200] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for characterizing the mass transfer behavior of glycerol, characterized in that, The method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior includes: Obtain a contrast agent solution containing a metal element; the contrast agent solution has physicochemical properties that match those of glycerol; The contrast agent solution is applied to the surface of the target sample; The target sample was subjected to X-ray scanning to obtain three-dimensional image data; Based on the three-dimensional image data, mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is obtained, and the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample is determined as the equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

2. The method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method for obtaining a contrast agent solution containing metal elements includes: Metal salts are mixed with glycerol and subjected to reflux reaction under heating conditions to form metal-glycerol complexes; The metal-glycerol complex was filtered and washed to obtain a purified metal-glycerol complex. The purified metal-glycerol complex was mixed with water at a preset concentration; The contrast agent solution was prepared based on the mixed complex solution.

3. The method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of applying the contrast agent solution to the surface of the target sample includes: Select the target sample area with a preset area; The contrast agent solution is dropped into the center of the target sample area; The contrast agent solution is evenly spread on the surface of the target sample so that it covers the entire target sample area.

4. The method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of applying the contrast agent solution to the surface of the target sample further includes: The target sample after the contrast agent solution is applied is left to stand at room temperature until there is no residual liquid contrast agent solution on the surface of the target sample.

5. The method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray scanning of the target sample to obtain three-dimensional image data includes: At each scanning time point of the preset scanning time set, the target sample is scanned with X-rays to obtain instantaneous three-dimensional image data at multiple scanning time points; The time series of three-dimensional image data is obtained based on multiple instantaneous three-dimensional image data.

6. The method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass transfer behavior data includes content distribution data; obtaining the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the three-dimensional image data includes: The three-dimensional image data is segmented to obtain the image region of the contrast agent solution; Three-dimensional reconstruction is performed on the image region of the contrast agent solution to obtain the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution within the target sample; Based on a pre-established contrast agent concentration-grayscale value calibration curve, the grayscale values ​​in the three-dimensional image data are converted into contrast agent concentration data to obtain the content distribution data of the contrast agent solution in different regions of the target sample; the contrast agent concentration-grayscale value calibration curve is obtained by fitting three-dimensional image data of multiple contrast agent solutions with different gradient concentrations.

7. The method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mass transfer behavior data also includes dynamic diffusion data; obtaining the mass transfer behavior data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the three-dimensional image data includes: Image segmentation and 3D reconstruction are performed on the 3D image data acquired at each scanning time point to obtain the spatial distribution data at each scanning time point; Based on the aforementioned spatial distribution data, the penetration direction and diffusion rate of the contrast agent solution within the target sample are determined; Based on the permeation direction and the diffusion rate, dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample are obtained.

8. The method for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The target sample is a tobacco sample, the contrast agent solution containing metal elements is a glycerol-zinc contrast agent solution, and the X-ray scan is a micro-computed tomography scan; by performing a Micro-CT scan on the tobacco sample after applying the glycerol-zinc contrast agent solution, three-dimensional characterization data of the distribution and diffusion process of glycerol in the tobacco sample are obtained.

9. A device for characterizing glycerol mass transfer behavior, characterized in that, The glycerol mass transfer behavior characterization device includes: The data acquisition module is used to acquire three-dimensional image data of a target sample obtained by X-ray scanning after applying a contrast agent solution containing metal elements; The image processing module is used to perform denoising, segmentation, spatial registration and / or grayscale normalization on the three-dimensional image data; The reconstruction analysis module is used to construct the spatial distribution data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the processed three-dimensional image data; The mass transfer data generation module is used to generate content distribution data and / or dynamic diffusion data of the contrast agent solution in the target sample based on the spatial distribution data, and use it as equivalent mass transfer behavior data of glycerol in the target sample.

10. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

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