An automated apparatus for granular density testing

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of automation for granular density test, belong to cement, rock particle and other powder density test technical field.The device includes kerosene filling area, powder filling area, thermostat, identification reading sensor, control operation platform and display screen.The accurate quantitative filling of anhydrous kerosene is realized by automatic kerosene filling device, and temperature detection and alarm function are equipped;Automatic powder filling module combines vibration frequency control to solve the problem of blockage, improve filling efficiency and accuracy;Automatic reading system in thermostat is composed of image recognition device and displacement sensor, and volume reading can be automatically obtained under constant temperature, reduce artificial error.The device realizes the automation and intellectualization of the whole process of granular density test, effectively improves test efficiency and data precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of cement density testing, rock particle density testing, and other powder density testing, and specifically to an automated device for particle density testing. Technical Background

[0002] The particle density test aims to determine the mass of a powder sample per unit volume. The specific test procedure is as follows: First, a certain amount of anhydrous kerosene is poured into a Leigh flask, and the flask is placed in a constant temperature environment. After the condition stabilizes, the volume reading is recorded. Next, a certain mass of powdered sample is prepared according to relevant requirements. Then, the sample is slowly filled into the Leigh flask using a small spoon, taking extra care during the filling process to avoid spilling the sample. After filling, the Leigh flask is shaken up and down until no air bubbles are generated inside, ensuring that the sample is fully mixed with the anhydrous kerosene and that any air is expelled. Finally, the Leigh flask is placed under the same constant temperature conditions again, and after stabilization, a second volume reading is recorded.

[0003] Currently, there are no automated equipment devices available on the market for particle density testing. The entire testing process relies on manual operation, which inevitably has some drawbacks: 1. Low efficiency and large error in powder filling: During the powder filling process, blockage easily occurs when the powder reaches the junction of the coarse and fine particles in the Leigh flask. At this point, the operator must place the flask on a towel and gently tap it to allow the blocked powder to slowly fall off before continuing to fill the remaining powder. This process is time-consuming, typically taking 20 minutes to half an hour to fill one sample. Furthermore, when manually filling the Leigh flask with a small spoon from the container, the powder is easily spilled, leading to deviations in the quality of the powder entering the flask and consequently adversely affecting the final experimental results.

[0004] 2. Manual reading errors are significant: During manual reading, slight differences in the angle between the operator's eye and the meniscus can lead to discrepancies between the first and second readings. Furthermore, manual reading requires removing the Leybold flask from the incubator and taking the reading in the air, which causes temperature changes within the flask, further affecting the accuracy of the reading and ultimately resulting in biased experimental results.

[0005] 3. Inconvenient operation of injecting kerosene: When injecting kerosene into the Leigh bottle, not only is it easy to spill, but the amount injected also needs to be strictly controlled within a certain range, which is quite cumbersome to operate manually.

[0006] Currently, there are no mature automated devices on the market that can solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems of low efficiency and large error in powder filling, numerous errors in manual reading, and inconvenience in kerosene injection in the existing particle density test, and to provide an automated device for particle density testing.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an automated device for particle density testing, comprising: frame; Control console 2, which includes a controller and a display screen 2-1; Kerosene automatic filling unit 1 is used to quantitatively inject anhydrous kerosene into Leigh bottles; The automatic powder filling unit 3 is used to quantitatively inject powder samples into Leigh flasks. The constant temperature chamber unit 4 is used to maintain the temperature of the Leigh flask placed inside. An automatic reading system is installed inside the constant temperature chamber unit 4 to identify and acquire the liquid level volume reading of the Leigh flask; The controller is electrically connected to the automatic kerosene filling unit 1, the automatic powder filling unit 3, the constant temperature chamber unit 4, and the automatic reading system, and is used to control the coordinated operation of each unit to realize the automation of particle density testing.

[0009] Furthermore, the automatic kerosene filling unit 1 includes: Kerosene drums 1-7; Peristaltic pump 1-3 is connected to kerosene drum 1-7 via oil pipe 1-4; A moving mechanism is used to drive the oil outlet of the oil pipe 1-4 to a designated position inside the Leigh bottle 1-1; Temperature sensors 1-6 are located near the kerosene drums 1-7 and are used to detect the temperature of the kerosene. The controller is connected to the peristaltic pump 1-3, the moving mechanism 1-5 and the temperature sensor 1-6, and is configured to control the amount of oil injected and trigger an alarm when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold.

[0010] Furthermore, the moving mechanism is a small electric cylinder 1-5.

[0011] Furthermore, the automatic powder filling unit 3 includes: Metal funnel hopper 3-5, used for storing powder samples; A screw feeding mechanism is located below the metal funnel hopper 3-5 and is used to feed powder from the metal funnel hopper 3-5. The quantitative feeding module 3-3 is used to precisely control the quality of the discharged powder. Vibration table 3-8 is used to place and fix Leigh flasks and to prevent powder from clogging inside the flasks through vibration; The first moving module 3-2 and the first module motor 3-1 drive the first moving module 3-2 to move the discharge port of the hopper 3-5 to a designated position inside the Leigh bottle. The controller is connected to the screw feeding mechanism, the quantitative feeding module 3-3, the vibration table 3-8 and the first moving module 3-2, and is used to control the feeding amount and vibration frequency.

[0012] Furthermore, a Leigh bottle storage rack 3-10 is provided below the automatic powder filling unit 3 for storing multiple spare Leigh bottles.

[0013] Furthermore, the constant temperature chamber unit 4 includes: Box 4-1; A water tank is installed inside the housing 4-1; A temperature control system is used to heat and maintain the temperature of the water in the tank. Fixtures 4-6 are used to hold one or more Leyborg bottles.

[0014] Furthermore, the automatic reading system includes: The second moving module 4-3 and the second module motor 4-2 are disposed inside the constant temperature chamber unit 4; Camera 4-8 and light source 4-9 are mounted on the second moving module 4-3. Driven by the second module motor 4-2, the second moving module 4-3 moves the camera 4-8 and light source 4-9 along the fixed frame 4-6 to acquire images of the liquid surface of the Leigh flask after it has been kept at a constant temperature. The controller is connected to the second mobile module 4-3, the camera 4-8 and the light source 4-9, and is configured to automatically identify and calculate the liquid level volume reading of the Leigh bottle based on the acquired images.

[0015] Furthermore, the constant temperature chamber unit 4 is also equipped with a lifting mechanism, which includes a third moving module 4-4, a third module motor 4-5, a fourth moving module 4-10, and a fourth module motor 4-11, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fixed frame 4-6, and are used to lift the fixed frame 4-6 to a specified height before the reading operation.

[0016] On the other hand, a method for conducting a particle density experiment using any of the aforementioned automated devices includes the following steps: Step S1: Control the automatic kerosene filling unit 1 to quantitatively inject anhydrous kerosene into the Leigh bottle; Step S2: Transfer the Leigh bottle after kerosene injection to the constant temperature chamber unit 4 for the first constant temperature treatment; Step S3: After the first constant temperature treatment is completed, control the automatic reading system to obtain the first liquid level volume reading V1 in the Leigh flask; Step S4: Remove the Leigh flask from the constant temperature chamber unit 4 and control the automatic powder filling unit 3 to quantitatively inject a predetermined mass of powder sample into the Leigh flask; Step S5: Transfer the Leigh bottle after the powder is injected back to the constant temperature chamber unit 4 for a second constant temperature treatment; Step S6: After the second isothermal treatment is completed, control the automatic reading system to obtain the second liquid level volume reading V2 in the Leigh flask; Step S7: Based on the mass m of the powder sample, the first liquid level volume reading V1 and the second liquid level volume reading V2, the particle density ρ of the powder sample is automatically calculated according to the formula ρ = m / (V2 - V1).

[0017] Furthermore, the method also includes: Step S8: Combine the particle density ρ, the mass m, the volume readings V1 and V2, and the test time information into a test data record; Step S9: Record and display the test data on display screen 2-1 and / or print it out via a printer.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: This device, used for particle density testing, automatically fills Leigh flasks with powder and anhydrous kerosene. It then automatically reads the liquid level and volume of the flasks in the constant temperature chamber before and after powder filling. Multiple flasks can be used for batch readings, avoiding the tedious manual filling process and the risk of spillage. The automatic volume readings, performed at a constant temperature in the chamber, significantly improve the accuracy of the test data. The display screen automatically shows the temperatures of the constant temperature chamber and the kerosene tank. The data processing system automatically receives and records the volume readings and calculates the particle density of the powder using the formula for powder mass and density. Finally, the test data is printed out in a prescribed format. The entire testing process is automated and intelligent, improving both efficiency and accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall device.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the kerosene filling unit.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control unit.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the powder filling unit.

[0023] Figure 5 Exploded view of the internal structure of the powder filling unit.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the constant temperature chamber unit.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the internal structure of the constant temperature chamber unit.

[0026] Reference numerals: 1—Kerosene filling unit; 2—Control unit; 3—Powder filling unit; 4—Constant temperature chamber unit; 1-1—Leigh bottle 1; 1-2—Peristaltic pump motor; 1-3—Peristaltic pump; 1-4—Oil pipe; 1-5—Small electric cylinder; 1-6—Temperature sensor; 1-7—Kerosene drum; 2-1—Touch screen display; 2-2—Control button; 3-1—First module motor; 3-2—First moving module; 3-3—Quantitative feeding module; 3-4—Screw feeder motor 3-5—Metal funnel hopper; 3-6—Spiral; 3-7—Lee's bottle 2; 3-8—Vibration table; 3-9—Lee's bottle 3; 3-10—Lee's bottle storage rack; 4-1—Constant temperature chamber; 4-2—Second module motor; 4-3—Second moving module; 4-4—Third module motor; 4-5—Third moving module; 4-6—Fixed frame; 4-7—Lee's bottle 4; 4-8—Camera; 4-9—Light source; 4-10—Fourth moving module; 4-11—Fourth module motor; Detailed Implementation

[0027] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0028] To keep the drawings concise, only the parts related to this utility model are shown schematically in each drawing, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product. In addition, to make the drawings concise and easy to understand, in some drawings, only one of the components with the same structure or function is shown schematically, or only one of them is labeled.

[0029] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, etc.) used to explain the structure and movement of the various components of this invention are relative rather than absolute. These descriptions are appropriate when these components are in the positions shown in the drawings. If the descriptions of the positions of these components change, these directional indications also change accordingly.

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, without creative effort, they can obtain drawings of other similar structural products and other implementation methods based on these drawings.

[0031] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-7 The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail. This embodiment is intended to further explain the technical solution of this utility model, rather than to limit the protection scope of this utility model.

[0032] I. Overall Structure and Connection Relationships of the Device The automated device for particle density testing described in this embodiment includes a frame (not separately labeled) and core functional units mounted on the frame. See [link to documentation]. Figure 1 Specifically, it includes: Control console 2: Serving as the control center of the device, its internal controller is electrically connected to the automatic kerosene filling unit 1, the automatic powder filling unit 3, the constant temperature chamber unit 4, and the automatic reading system via circuits, realizing coordinated control of each unit; see also Figure 3 The control console 2 also includes a display screen 2-1 and control buttons 2-2. The display screen 2-1 is a 10.1-inch touch screen that can display test parameters and data in real time. The control buttons 2-2 include physical buttons such as an emergency stop button and a start button for emergency operation.

[0033] Automatic kerosene filling unit 1: Installed on the left side of the frame, it is connected to the control panel 2 through pipelines and circuits, and is responsible for quantitatively injecting anhydrous kerosene into the Leigh bottle.

[0034] Automatic powder filling unit 3: Installed in the middle of the frame, the Leigh bottle storage rack 3-10 below it can store 6 spare Leigh bottles, and is connected to the control panel 2 through the circuit to realize the quantitative filling of powder.

[0035] Thermostatic chamber unit 4: Installed on the right side of the frame, it integrates an automatic reading system and is connected to the control panel 2 via circuitry. It is used for the thermostatic treatment of Leigh flasks and the automatic acquisition of liquid level and volume readings.

[0036] II. Specific Structure and Working Principle of Each Unit Automatic kerosene filling unit 1, see details. Figure 2 The unit includes: Kerosene containers 1-7: These are 2000mL glass containers used for storing anhydrous kerosene. Peristaltic pump 1-3: Driven by peristaltic pump motor 1-2, it draws kerosene from kerosene drum 1-7 through oil pipe 1-4, which is made of rubber and has an inner diameter of 8mm. The accuracy of the oil injection volume can be controlled within ±0.1mL. Small electric cylinder 1-5: Stroke 50mm, used to drive the oil outlet of oil pipe 1-4 to move up and down, and adjust it in Leigh bottle 1, 250mL standard model, the default insertion depth is 10mm; Temperature sensors 1-6: PT100 type sensors are installed on the outside of kerosene drums 1-7 to detect the kerosene temperature in real time. When the temperature exceeds 40℃, the controller triggers an audible and visual alarm on the control panel 2.

[0037] During operation, after the controller receives the oil injection command, the small electric cylinder 1-5 sends the oil pipe 1-4 into the designated position in the Leigh bottle 1, and the peristaltic pump 1-3 starts to inject oil according to the preset amount, such as 50mL. After the oil injection is completed, the electric cylinder resets.

[0038] Automatic powder filling unit 3, see details. Figure 4 , Figure 5 The unit includes: Metal funnel hopper 3-5: capacity 500g, bottom of the funnel is connected to spiral 3-6; Screw feeding mechanism: The screw feeding motor 3-4 and the stepper motor drive the screw 3-6 to rotate, so as to realize the powder conveying; Quantitative feeding module 3-3: Built-in weighing sensor with an accuracy of 0.01g, providing real-time feedback on powder quality. When the preset value, such as 50g, is reached, the controller stops the screw feeder motor 3-4. Vibration table 3-8: adopts electromagnetic vibration, the vibration frequency can be adjusted by the controller, the range is 5-20Hz, and the Leigh bottle 2 is placed and fixed. Vibration prevents the powder from clogging at the coarse and fine junction of the Leigh bottle. First moving module 3-2: Driven by the first module motor 3-1, it moves the metal funnel hopper 3-5 up and down, so that the discharge port is inserted into the Leigh bottle 2 to a depth of 5mm.

[0039] During operation, after the first moving module 3-2 adjusts the position of the hopper, the screw feeder motor 3-4 starts, and at the same time the vibrating table 3-8 vibrates at a frequency of 10Hz. The quantitative feeding module 3-3 monitors the powder quality in real time, and stops feeding when the preset value is reached, and the module resets.

[0040] For details regarding the constant temperature chamber unit 4 and the automatic reading system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 , Figure 7 The constant temperature chamber unit 4 includes: Box body (4-1): Built-in water tank; Temperature control system: adopts PID regulation, with a temperature control range of 15-30℃ and an accuracy of ±0.1℃. Uniform water temperature is achieved through heating elements and water pump. Fixture 4-6: Can hold 4 Leigh bottles 4 at the same time, made of corrosion-resistant plastic; The lifting mechanism consists of the third moving module 4-5, the third module motor 4-4, the fourth moving module 4-10, and the fourth module motor 4-11. They are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fixed frame 4-6 and can lift the fixed frame to a height of 100mm from the bottom of the box for easy reading.

[0041] The automatic reading system is integrated into the temperature control chamber and includes: Second moving module 4-3: Driven by second module motor 4-2, it moves along the length of fixed frame 4-6; Cameras 4-8: 2-megapixel industrial cameras, paired with light sources 4-9, are used to capture images of the liquid surface in Leigh flasks; The controller has a built-in image recognition algorithm that can identify the markings on a Leigh flask and convert them into volume readings.

[0042] During operation, after the Leigh flask is placed in the fixed frame 4-6, water is poured into the water tank and heated to the preset temperature (e.g., 20℃). After maintaining the temperature for 30 minutes, the lifting mechanism raises the fixed frame, and the second moving module 4-3 drives the camera 4-8 to take pictures of each Leigh flask 3 times in sequence, and the average value is taken as the final reading.

[0043] III. Specific Operating Procedures for Particle Density Testing Taking the determination of cement particle density as an example, the test procedure using this device is as follows: Preparation stage Inject anhydrous kerosene into kerosene drums 1-7, and load cement samples into metal funnel hoppers 3-5. Set the following parameters on the display screen 2-1 of the control console 2: kerosene injection volume 50mL, powder mass 50g, constant temperature 20℃, vibration frequency 10Hz. Take one Lee's bottle from the Lee's bottle storage rack 3-10 and place it in the fixed position of the automatic kerosene filling unit 1.

[0044] Kerosene injection (step S1) Press the "Start" button on control button 2-2, and the controller will trigger the automatic kerosene filling unit 1: The small electric cylinder 1-5 inserts the oil pipe 1-4 into the Leigh bottle 3-9 by 10mm. The peristaltic pump 1-3 starts and injects 50mL of kerosene. After the oil injection is completed, the oil pipe is reset.

[0045] First temperature control and reading (steps S2-S3) The oil-filled Leigh bottle is manually transferred to the first station of the fixing frame 4-6 of the constant temperature chamber unit 4; The controller starts the constant temperature program: the water tank is filled with water and heated to 20℃, and the temperature is maintained for 30 minutes; After the constant temperature period ends, the lifting mechanism raises the fixed frame 4-6, and the second moving module 4-3 drives the camera 4-8 to take pictures of the Leigh bottle, automatically identify and record the first liquid level volume reading V1, and the data is displayed synchronously on the display screen 2-1.

[0046] Powder injection (step S4) Remove the Leigh bottle from the constant temperature chamber and fix it on the vibration table 3-8 of the automatic powder filling unit 3; The controller triggers the powder injection program: The first moving module 3-2 inserts the metal funnel hopper 3-5 into the Leigh bottle by 5mm, the screw feeder motor 3-4 starts, and the vibrating table 3-8 vibrates at 10Hz. When the quantitative feeding module 3-3 detects that the powder mass has reached 50g, the feeding stops and the module is reset.

[0047] Second temperature control and reading (steps S5-S6) After filling the Leyborg flask with powder, place it back into the first station of the constant temperature chamber rack 4-6 and repeat the constant temperature program (20℃, 30 minutes). The automatic reading system acquires the second liquid level volume reading V2.

[0048] Density calculation and data output (steps S7-S9) The controller calculates the density using the formula ρ = m / (V2 - V1); Display screen 2-1 shows complete test data: sample mass, V1, V2, density, test time, etc. Press the "Print" button, and the data will be output in a standard format via the built-in printer.

[0049] Batch testing operations If four samples need to be tested at the same time, steps S2-S5 can be repeated. Place the four Leigh bottles in the four positions of the fixed rack (4-6). After the constant temperature is completed, the automatic reading system reads V1 and V2 of the four bottles in sequence. The controller calculates the density in batches and outputs the data. The total test time is reduced by more than 60% compared with manual operation.

[0050] Finally, the method described in this application is merely a preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automated device for particle density testing, characterized in that, include: frame; The control console (2) includes a controller and a display screen (2-1). Automatic kerosene filling unit (1) is used to quantitatively inject anhydrous kerosene into a Leigh bottle; The automatic powder filling unit (3) is used to quantitatively inject powder samples into Leigh bottles; The constant temperature chamber unit (4) is used to maintain the temperature of the Leigh flask placed inside. An automatic reading system is installed in the constant temperature chamber unit (4) to identify and obtain the liquid level volume reading of the Leigh flask; The controller is electrically connected to the kerosene automatic filling unit (1), the powder automatic filling unit (3), the constant temperature chamber unit (4) and the automatic reading system, and is used to control the coordinated work of each unit to realize the automation of particle density test.

2. The automated device for particle density testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic kerosene filling unit (1) includes: Kerosene drums (1-7); A peristaltic pump (1-3) is connected to the kerosene drum (1-7) via an oil pipe (1-4); A moving mechanism is used to drive the oil outlet of the oil pipe (1-4) to a designated position inside the Leigh bottle (1-1); Temperature sensors (1-6) are located near the kerosene drum (1-7) and are used to detect the temperature of the kerosene. The controller is connected to the peristaltic pump (1-3), the moving mechanism and the temperature sensor (1-6), and is configured to control the amount of oil injected and trigger an alarm when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold.

3. The automated device for particle density testing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving mechanism is a small electric cylinder (1-5).

4. The automated device for particle density testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic powder filling unit (3) includes: Metal funnel hopper (3-5) is used to store powder samples; A screw feeding mechanism is located below the metal funnel hopper (3-5) and is used to feed powder from the metal funnel hopper (3-5); The quantitative feeding module (3-3) is used to precisely control the quality of the fed powder. Vibration table (3-8) is used to place and fix Leigh flasks and to prevent powder from clogging inside the Leigh flasks by vibration; The first moving module (3-2) and the first module motor (3-1) drive the first moving module (3-2) to move the discharge port of the hopper (3-5) to the designated position inside the Leigh bottle. The controller is connected to the screw feeding mechanism, the quantitative feeding module (3-3), the vibration table (3-8), and the first moving module (3-2) and is used to control the feeding amount and vibration frequency.

5. The automated device for particle density testing according to claim 4, characterized in that, Below the automatic powder filling unit (3) is a Lee's bottle storage rack (3-10) for storing multiple spare Lee's bottles.

6. The automated device for particle density testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The constant temperature chamber unit (4) includes: Box (4-1); A water tank is installed inside the housing (4-1); A temperature control system is used to heat and maintain the temperature of the water in the tank. The mounting brackets (4-6) are used to hold one or more Leys bottles.

7. The automated device for particle density testing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The automatic reading system includes: The second moving module (4-3) and the second module motor (4-2) are disposed inside the constant temperature chamber unit (4); A camera (4-8) and a light source (4-9) are mounted on the second moving module (4-3). Driven by the second module motor (4-2), the second moving module (4-3) moves the camera (4-8) and the light source (4-9) along the fixed frame (4-6) to acquire images of the liquid surface of the Leigh flask after it has been kept at a constant temperature. The controller is connected to the second mobile module (4-3), the camera (4-8), and the light source (4-9), and is configured to automatically identify and calculate the liquid level volume reading of the Leigh bottle based on the acquired images.

8. The automated apparatus for particle density testing according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The constant temperature chamber unit (4) is also equipped with a lifting mechanism, which includes a third moving module (4-4), a third module motor (4-5), a fourth moving module (4-10), and a fourth module motor (4-11), which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fixed frame (4-6) to lift the fixed frame (4-6) to a specified height before the reading operation.

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