Ash Composition Measurement Using Scanning X-Ray Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the relative composition of ash content in paper products, such as X-ray absorption and X-ray fluorescence techniques, suffer from reduced accuracy due to variance in X-ray sources and limited differentiation in detector signals, making it difficult to accurately determine the concentrations of ash material additives like CaCO3, Clay, and TiO2.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a rapidly varying X-ray gauge with a known X-ray spectra at multiple energies, combined with an X-ray detector, measures X-ray response at different energies and compares it to fundamental physical parameters to extract the relative weights of ash material elements, avoiding the 'measure-and-calibrate' approach and enhancing separation between ash types using a unique filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray sources and detectors are used to measure ash content, then measurement coverage is improved, but system complexity and variance in measurements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ash content measurement into separate measurements for different ash types (CaCO3, TiO2, Clay) using multiple X-ray sources with different energy levels. Each source targets specific ash components, allowing the system to segment the measurement process to improve precision while managing complexity through targeted measurement rather than simultaneous multi-component measurement with a single source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the X-ray energy parameter across multiple measurements to differentiate between ash types. By changing the energy level of X-ray sources and detecting absorption at different energies, the system can distinguish between CaCO3, TiO2, and Clay components, improving measurement accuracy through parameter variation rather than relying solely on complex multi-source geometry.
2Device complexity
If a single X-ray source with multiple filters is used, then device simplicity is improved, but signal differentiation and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning of the paper web through the X-ray measurement zone while varying the X-ray energy levels. This periodic action allows a single X-ray source to sequentially measure different energy levels across the moving paper, achieving signal differentiation without requiring multiple simultaneous sources or complex filter arrangements, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic scanning of the paper web through the measurement zone while varying X-ray energy levels over time. This dynamic approach allows a single static X-ray source to perform multiple measurement functions by changing energy parameters and scanning position, achieving both simplicity and accuracy without the need for complex static multi-source or multi-filter configurations.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray absorption measurements are taken at multiple energy levels, then ash component differentiation is improved, but measurement time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures ash content continuously as the paper web moves through the X-ray zone, with X-ray energy levels varied during the scanning process. This continuous measurement approach eliminates interruptions and idle time, allowing multiple energy level measurements to be taken sequentially without stopping paper production, thus reducing total measurement time while maintaining component differentiation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs background measurements and calibration data collection before actual ash content measurement. By pre-characterizing the X-ray source response and absorption coefficients at different energy levels, the system can quickly process actual measurements without time-consuming real-time calibration, reducing measurement time while maintaining precision through pre-established reference data.
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
This method provides improved accuracy in determining the relative composition of ash content by leveraging distinct X-ray absorption spectra and fundamental absorption coefficients, allowing for precise calculation of ash component weights and enhancing the separation between different ash types.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray absorption or X-ray fluorescence techniques are typically used to measure the individual or total concentrations of these additives
Implementation Method 2
X-ray absorption or X-ray fluorescence techniques are typically used to measure the individual or total concentrations of these additives
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product is provided that enables measurement and determination of the relative material composition of ash content in a paper product. While materials in ash content, e.g., CaCaO3, Clay, and TiO2, have distinct x-ray absorption spectrum, by varying an X-ray gauge rapidly, measuring the absorption at each energy level and, comparing this to tables of fundamental physical parameters, the relative fractions of materials in ash content, e.g., CaCaO3, Clay, and TiO2, can be extracted. The relative weights of other constituent materials found in web or sheet paper products are additionally determinable.