3D Electrical Capacitance Volume-Tomography Sensor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) systems are limited in generating dynamic three-dimensional images of moving objects and multiphase flows due to their two-dimensional imaging capabilities and the need for direct contact with insulating elements, which is not viable in many industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic three-dimensional image electrical capacitance tomography system using a three-dimensional capacitance sensor, data acquisition electronics, and an image reconstruction algorithm that enables real-time volume imaging of arbitrary geometries, capable of measuring variations in both capacitance and power for permittivity and conductivity distribution, allowing for non-invasive and non-intrusive imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 2D ECT systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the imaging capability is limited to two-dimensional static images and cannot capture dynamic 3D flow phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D electrode arrangements to 3D electrode configurations, enabling volumetric imaging capabilities. The 3D capacitance sensor array distributed throughout the measurement domain allows reconstruction of three-dimensional permittivity distributions, capturing spatial variations in all three dimensions rather than assuming axial uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement domain is divided into multiple volumetric elements (voxels) that can be independently reconstructed. The 3D sensor array is segmented into multiple electrode groups positioned at different locations, with each electrode measuring capacitance variations from specific directional perspectives, enabling comprehensive 3D flow field reconstruction.
2Measurement precision
If direct contact measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is high, but the system cannot be applied to processes with insulating elements or where non-invasive measurement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an insulating measurement vessel or pipe as an intermediary between the 3D electrode array and the process medium. The vessel wall electrically isolates the electrodes from direct contact with the process fluid, enabling non-invasive measurement of permittivity and conductivity distributions while maintaining measurement precision through capacitive coupling through the insulating barrier.
3Speed
If static 3D imaging is used, then the imaging system is simple, but it cannot capture dynamic flow phenomena of moving objects or multiphase flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous dynamic measurement by continuously acquiring capacitance data from all 3D electrode pairs at high sampling rates. The system continuously reconstructs volumetric permittivity distributions in real-time, capturing temporal variations in multiphase flow patterns, bubble dynamics, and particle transport without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic excitation signals applied to the 3D electrode array to elicit measurable capacitance responses from the process medium. By using alternating current excitation at appropriate frequencies, the system periodically probes the electrical properties of the medium, enabling dynamic tracking of flow phenomena through time-resolved capacitance measurements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time, four-dimensional volume imaging of moving objects and multiphase flows within complex geometries, providing accurate and simultaneous measurements of permittivity and conductivity, suitable for industrial and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a dynamic three-dimensional image electrical capacitance tomography system using a three-dimensional capacitance sensor
Implementation Method 2
measuring variations in both capacitance and power for permittivity and conductivity distribution
Implementation Method 3
measuring variations in both capacitance and power for permittivity and conductivity distribution
Implementation Method 4
image reconstruction algorithm that enables real-time volume imaging of arbitrary geometries
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic three-dimensional image electrical capacitance tomography sensor system is disclosed. The technique generates, from the measured capacitance, a whole volume image of the region enclosed by the a geometrically three-dimensional capacitance sensor. A real time, three-dimensional imaging of a moving object or a real time volume imaging (i.e., four-dimensional (4D)) allows for a total interrogation scheme of the whole volume within the domain of an arbitrary shape of geometry to be implemented. The system comprises a 3D capacitance sensor, data acquisition electronics and the image reconstruction algorithm which enables the volume-image reconstruction. The electrode shape of the capacitance sensor can be rectangular, triangular, trapezium, or any shape to enclose a 3D section of the measuring domain and to distribute the electrical field intensity in three directions with equal sensitivity strength. The image reconstruction algorithm reconstructs simultaneously the image voxels in a three-dimensional array. The tomography sensor system may be multimodal.