A system for extrusion of non-newtonian fluids by controlling their mass flow rate

Abstract

A system (100) for enabling the extrusion of non-Newtonian fluids by controlling the mass flow rate, comprising: an inlet end (111) for introducing non-Newtonian fluid, an extrusion chamber (110) having an outlet end (112) for allowing the non-Newtonian fluid to exit after extrusion, an extrusion element (120) provided in said extrusion chamber (110) for moving the non-Newtonian fluid from the inlet end (111 ) to the outlet end (112), a drive unit (130) for controlling the angular operating speed of said extrusion element (120), a control unit (140) for controlling said drive unit (130). Accordingly, it is characterized in that it comprises a first pressure sensor (151) provided adjacent to the inlet end (111) and used to measure the pressure of the non-Newtonian fluid; a second pressure sensor (152) provided adjacent to the outlet end (112) and used to measure the pressure of the non- Newtonian fluid; the first pressure measurement taken by the control unit (140) from the first pressure sensor (151 ) is configured to apply the second pressure measurement taken from the second pressure sensor (152) and a torque measurement taken from a torque determination device associated with the drive unit to a mathematical model and to change the operating speed of the drive unit (130) according to the output value taken from said mathematical model.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR EXTRUSION OF NON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS BY CONTROLLING THEIR MASS FLOW RATE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a system for ensuring the extrusion of non-Newtonian fluids by controlling the mass flow rate thereof, comprising an inlet end for entering non-Newtonian fluid; an extrusion chamber with an outlet end for allowing the non-Newtonian fluid to exit after extrusion; an extrusion element provided in said extrusion chamber for moving the non-Newtonian fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end; a drive unit for controlling the angular operating speed of said extrusion element; and a control unit for controlling said drive unit.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] 3D printers are devices that are usually controlled by a computer and can create a physical object from a digital file. These devices create three-dimensional objects by building up materials layer by layer. This process is commonly called "3D printing."

[0006] Extrusion is the process of continuously shaping a material by passing it through a certain section with the help of a special machine or tool. The extrusion process in 3D printers can be carried out in different ways in different 3D printing technologies where different materials are used. The extrusion process allows the object to be formed in layers in accordance with the desired size, shape, and properties. The extrusion process in 3D printers is used in many fields such as construction, automotive, food, education, medicine, and health. However, in some 3D printers used today, extrusion processes cannot be used for cement-based mixtures (mortar or concrete) in the construction sector, and if they are used, they cannot be applied for all types of cement-based mixtures. Therefore, rapid production, efficiency and durability controls cannot be carried out for the construction sector.

[0007] The extrusion process used today is carried out manually, so since continuous human intervention is required, a continuous workforce is required for the preparation of the material, the control of the extrusion process, and the proper formation of objects. This increases labor costs and slows down manufacturing processes. Manual extrusion process may lead to repeatability difficulties, and differences may occur in each process due to human factors.

[0008] All the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to make an innovation in the relevant technical field as a result.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to a system to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a system for the output of a non-Newtonian fluid at the desired flow rate.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a system that allows different fluid materials that are not Newtonian to be extruded at the desired mass flow rate.

[0013] The present invention is a system for controlling the mass flow rate of non-Newtonian fluids by extruding, comprising an inlet end for the introduction of non-Newtonian fluid, an extrusion chamber with an outlet end for allowing the non-Newtonian fluid to exit after extrusion, an extrusion element provided in said extrusion chamber for moving the nonNewtonian fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end; a drive unit for controlling the angular operating speed of said extrusion element; and a control unit for controlling said drive unit, to realize all the objects that will emerge from the abovementioned and the following detailed description. Accordingly, it comprises a first pressure sensor provided in the vicinity of the inlet end and used to measure the pressure of the non-Newtonian fluid; a second pressure sensor provided in the vicinity of the outlet end and used to measure the pressure of the non-Newtonian fluid; the control unit is configured to apply the first pressure measurement received from the first pressure sensor, the second pressure measurement received from the second pressure sensor, and a torque measurement received from a torque determination device associated with the drive unit to a mathematical model and to change the angular operating speed of the drive unit according to the output value received from said mathematical model. Thus, non-Newtonian fluids are extruded at the desired mass flow rate.

[0014] A possible embodiment of the invention characterized in that said extrusion element is a screw pump. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said drive unit comprises a motor and comprises a drive circuit that enables said motor to be driven according to the signal received from the control unit.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0016] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the system.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The subject of the invention is explained with examples that do not have any limiting effect only for a better understanding of the subject in this detailed description.

[0019] The invention relates to a system (100) wherein the extrusion mass flow rate of nonNewtonian fluids can be regulated.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1 , the system (100) includes an extrusion chamber (110) including an inlet end (111) for the inlet of the non-Newtonian fluid, an outlet end (112) for the outlet of the non-Newtonian fluid, and an extrusion element (120) for moving the fluid within the extrusion chamber (110). The system (100) comprises a drive unit (130) for controlling the speed of the extrusion element (120) and a control unit (140) for driving said drive unit (130). The extrusion element (120) may be a screw pump.

[0021] The drive unit (130) is associated with a torque determination device (not shown). The torque-determining device may be, for example, a device that measures the current consumed by the drive unit (130) and produces a torque value accordingly.

[0022] The system (100) further comprises a first pressure sensor (151 ) provided adjacent to the inlet end (111) and a second pressure sensor (152) provided adjacent to the outlet end (112). The pressure sensors measure the pressure values of the non-Newtonian fluid at two points located at a certain distance from each other along the flow. Said control unit (140) is configured to apply the pressure values received from the pressure sensors to a mathematical model and to change the angular operating speed of the drive unit (130) according to the output value received from the model. With said pressure sensors, the pressure difference between the inlet end (111) and the outlet end (112) of the system (100) can be detected. The diameter of the extrusion chamber (110) is also defined as a first length (D). Here, the distance between the two pressure sensors is a second length (L).

[0023] Said mathematical model is the following formula wherein the expression p is the mass of the non-Newtonian fluid; v is the kinematic viscosity; the value of the parameter p is preregistered in a memory unit accessed by the control unit (140); D is the radius of the extrusion chamber (110), AP is the difference between the first pressure measurement and the second pressure measurement; T is the torque value; Q is the target volumetric flow rate of the non-Newtonian fluid; co is the angular operating speed of the drive unit (130):

[0024] The expression a in said mathematical model is 4-105, the expression b is +0.2608, and the control unit is configured to access a memory unit where the expressions a, b, p, v, D, Q, co, AP, T are pre-registered.

[0025] The kinematic viscosity can be calculated by one of the methods known in the art, and the inputs required to calculate this value can be entered into the system (100) beforehand.

[0026] The non-Newtonian fluid is cementitious-based materials in a possible embodiment of the invention. Different types of cement-based mixtures can be used, and the extrusion process can be arranged accordingly.

[0027] The extrusion element (120) is a screw pump in a possible embodiment of the invention. The fact that the extrusion element (120) is a screw pump allows the fluid to be mixed and guided in an order under a certain pressure. A stronger mechanism is required for the proper handling and dosing of some materials according to the type of fluid, and this is provided by the screw pump used.

[0028] The system (100) comprises a DC motor and a drive circuit that enables the DC motor to be driven according to the signal received from the control unit (140) in a possible embodiment of the invention. The DC motor is used to provide the necessary rotation of the extrusion process. According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the drive circuit may comprise a servo drive circuit and the system (100) is configured to operate with the supply voltage received from a power source.

[0029] The other measurement values taken from the pressure sensor of the system (100) by a DAQ system (100) are collected and recorded in a possible embodiment of the invention. DAQ ensures efficient, fast, high-accuracy data collection and recording with data collection. At the same time, it is ensured that the system (100) data is monitored and recorded remotely with DAQ. The DAQ is provided in 16-bit A / D type in a possible embodiment of the invention.

[0030] The control unit (140) may be the central processing unit (CPU) or the programmable logic controller (PLC) in a possible embodiment of the invention. The communication unit can use wireless or wired communication methods such as Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

[0031] The system (100) uses a feedback control algorithm in a possible embodiment of the invention so that the instantaneous flow rate is controlled, and the extrusion process is carried out at the desired values.

[0032] There is a user interface that allows the values measured by the system (100) to be seen and the system (100) to be controlled in a possible embodiment of the invention.

[0033] An exemplary operating scenario of the invention is described as follows:

[0034] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the system (100) uses cement-based materials (e.g. Mortar or Concrete) allowing the extrusion speed to be controlled, the flow rate of the material to be determined, and the adjustment to the measurement values to be made automatically. With the screw pump used in the system (100), the cement-based mixture can be transported in a smooth and continuous flow, thus ensuring that the 3D printer produces uninterrupted and consistent output. Since the material moves at the right mass flow rate and the right speed, the output quality and accuracy of the printer increase.

[0035] The extrusion chamber may consist of a plexiglass tube with a diameter of 100 mm and a thickness of 2 mm in a possible embodiment of the invention. By choosing a plexiglass tube, the material can be easily seen from the outside, and since it is durable and waterproof, it ensures that the material in it is protected from external influences. The diameter value is configured to minimize the gap between the outer screw wall and the pipe to prevent any backflow. The desired mass flow rate, rheological parameter, and density values of the cementbased material are entered into the system (100) in a possible embodiment of the invention. The system (100) is started with the first estimate of the rotational speed; the measured values are recorded by following the DAQ, and a model is provided with the data. This model calculates whether the target volume flow rate is sufficient using the given rotational speed, measured pressure values, and measured torque value and checks the equality. If the flow rate is not at the desired level as a result of the calculation, the angular operating speed is changed by the system (100) and this calculation continues until the speed reaches the desired level.

[0036] An electronic scale (not shown) may be used to weigh the extruded sample and determine the mass flow rate in a possible embodiment of the invention. The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the attached claims and cannot be limited to those explained for sampling purposes in this detailed description. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may exhibit similar embodiments in light of the above- mentioned facts without drifting apart from the main theme of the invention.

[0037] REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURE

[0038] 100 System

[0039] 110 Extrusion chamber 111 Inlet end

[0040] 112 Outlet end

[0041] 120 Extrusion element

[0042] 130 Drive unit

[0043] D First length L Second length

[0044] 140 Control unit

[0045] 151 First pressure sensor

[0046] 152 Second pressure sensor

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (100) for allowing non-Newtonian fluids to be extruded by controlling the mass flow rate thereof, comprising an extrusion chamber (110) having an inlet end (111 ) for inletting non-Newtonian fluid and an outlet end (112) for allowing the nonNewtonian fluid to exit after extrusion, an extrusion element (120) provided in said extrusion chamber (110) for moving the non-Newtonian fluid from the inlet end (111 ) to the outlet end (112), a drive unit (130) for controlling the angular operating speed of said extrusion element (120), a control unit (140) for controlling said drive unit (130); characterized in that it comprises a first pressure sensor (151 ) provided adjacent to the inlet end (111 ) and used to measure the pressure of the non-Newtonian fluid; a second pressure sensor (152) provided adjacent to the outlet end (112) and used to measure the pressure of the non-Newtonian fluid; the first pressure measurement received by the control unit (140) from the first pressure sensor (151) is configured to apply the second pressure measurement received from the second pressure sensor (152) and a torque measurement received from a torque determination device associated with the drive unit to a mathematical model and to change the angular operating speed of the drive unit (130) according to the output value received from said mathematical model.

2. A system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said mathematical model is the following formula wherein the expression (p) is the mass of the non-Newtonian fluid; the expression (v) is the kinematic viscosity; the value of the parameter (p) is preregistered in a memory unit accessed by the control unit (140); the expression (D) denotes the radius of the extrusion chamber (110), the expression (AP) denotes the difference between the first pressure measurement and the second pressure measurement, the expression (T) denotes the torque value, the expression (Q) denotes the target mass flow rate of the non-Newtonian fluid, and the expression (co) denotes the angular operating speed of the drive unit (130)the expression (a) in said mathematical model is 4-10-5, the expression (b) is +0.2608 and the control unit is configured to access a memory unit where the expressions (a), (b), (p), (v), (D), (Q), (co), (AP), (T) are pre-registered.

3. A system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said extrusion element (120) is a screw pump.

4. A system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said drive unit (130) comprises a motor and comprises a drive circuit that enables said motor to be driven according to the signal received from the control unit (140).

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