Online Capillary Viscometer With Single-Tube Sampling Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online viscometers are expensive, complex, require frequent calibration, and operate within a narrow shear rate range, leading to unreliable measurements, especially for mixtures of solutions and particles, and incur high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a single capillary or slit integrated into the process tube wall for both sampling and measurement, enabling accurate and repeatable viscosity readings by using underpressure to draw and return samples through the same capillary, eliminating the need for separate sampling tubes and valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current online viscometers are used, then viscosity measurements can be performed, but they are expensive and require frequent calibration and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sampling function and measurement function into a single integrated capillary tube. The same capillary that draws the sample from the process also serves as the measurement chamber and return path, eliminating the need for separate sampling tubes, valves, and complex calibration systems. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through direct online measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The single capillary tube performs multiple functions: it acts as the sampling conduit, the measurement chamber, the pressure differential path, and the return path for the sample. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity and maintenance requirements.
2Measurement precision
If current online viscometers are used, then viscosity measurements can be performed, but they operate within a narrow shear rate range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable piston that can be positioned at different locations along the capillary tube. By adjusting the piston position, the system can dynamically change the effective measurement length and the pressure differential applied, thereby varying the shear rate experienced by the fluid during measurement. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to operate across a wide shear rate range while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If separate sampling tubes and valves are used, then sampling can be performed, but the construction becomes complex and requires service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate sampling tubes and valves by integrating the sampling function directly into the measurement capillary. The capillary itself serves as the sampling conduit, and the piston mechanism directly draws the sample through the capillary without requiring external valves or separate sampling hardware. This integration simplifies the overall construction and reduces maintenance needs.
4Reliability
If frequent calibration is performed, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent design allows the system to self-calibrate by using the process fluid itself as the calibration reference. The piston position and capillary dimensions are fixed, creating a consistent measurement geometry that eliminates the need for external calibration standards. The system maintains accuracy through its inherent geometric stability rather than requiring frequent external calibration, thereby saving time and resources.
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
Provides reliable, cost-effective, and easily serviceable viscosity measurements across a wide shear rate range, reducing manual labor and errors, and facilitating quick process optimization with online measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a sample of liquid, solution or equivalent being examined is run by means of a pressure difference from a process tube, tank or equivalent through a measurement capillary to a measuring unit
Implementation Method 2
The measurement of capillary viscosity is recognized to be the closest to the values of absolute viscosity and thus a method that is the most reliable
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for measuring viscosity. A sample from a process tube (4) is drawn into a measuring unit (2) via a measurement capillary (1) or a gap or hole in the tube wall (5). The measuring unit (2) is located outside the wall (5). A sample is taken automatically by underpressure generated by a piston (3) moving within a cylinder (6). Viscosity is measured during the piston's opposite motion, which returns the sample to the process through the same measurement capillary, gap, or hole. The device includes a sampling/measurement capillary tube (1) and a measuring unit (2) comprising a cylinder (6) and a piston (3). The cylinder (6) is positioned at a gap or hole in the wall (5) to take a sample, measure viscosity, and return the sample, with the measurement capillary, gap, or hole serving as the sampling path.