Ground Coffee Particle Analysis via X-ray Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing the grain size of ground coffee, such as laser diffractometry, are limited in measuring coffee powder contained in capsules or pods, as they do not allow for accurate determination of particle size distribution within sealed containers.
Innovation Solution
The method employs X-ray computed tomography to reconstruct a three-dimensional image of the ground coffee sample, allowing for the calculation of particle volume, surface area, and diameter distribution, enabling the generation of granulometric curves and percentage volume, surface, and number density distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser diffractometry is used to analyze ground coffee, then the measurement speed is fast and the cost is low, but it cannot accurately measure coffee powder contained in sealed capsules or pods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/sieving methods and laser diffractometry with X-ray computed microtomography. This substitution enables non-destructive imaging of sealed capsules, overcoming the limitation of traditional methods that cannot penetrate containers while maintaining measurement capability through advanced imaging and image processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical properties (laser diffractometry) to X-ray attenuation properties. This parameter change allows measurement of coffee powder within sealed metal or plastic capsules, as X-rays can penetrate these materials while providing sufficient contrast to distinguish coffee particles from the container and achieve accurate granulometric analysis.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sieving method is used, then the equipment is simple and cost is low, but the results depend on multiple factors including environmental conditions and operator experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sieving system with an X-ray imaging and computational analysis system. This substitution eliminates the influence of environmental factors (humidity, temperature) and operator experience on measurement results, as the X-ray tomography process is automated and不受 environmental conditions affecting particle aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the coffee powder particles through X-ray microtomography imaging. This digital replica allows for precise measurement of particle dimensions and granulometric analysis without physical handling or environmental interference, ensuring consistent and reproducible results across different measurement sessions.
3Measurement precision
If optical microscope is used to estimate particle size, then the equipment is simple, but only two particle dimensions can be measured and sample representativity is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D optical microscopy to 3D X-ray microtomography imaging. This dimensional upgrade enables measurement of all three particle dimensions (length, width, height) and calculation of volumetric properties, providing comprehensive particle characterization while maintaining equipment accessibility through standard laboratory X-ray systems.
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 approach provides accurate and representative granulometric analysis of ground coffee in capsules or pods, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by enabling precise measurement of particle size and distribution within sealed containers, thus ensuring quality control and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a plurality of two-dimensional radiographic images from a detector device acquired while the sample is in rotation about an axis transverse to the main direction of incidence of the beam on the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for analysing the structure of a sample of ground coffee, and in particular for determining the grain size curve, by means of computed X-ray tomography, the method comprising: acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional radiographic images while the sample is in rotation, processing the plurality of two-dimensional radiographic images performing a tomographic reconstruction to generate a reconstructed image of volume, processing the reconstructed volume image to identify a plurality of coffee particles of the sample of ground coffee separated from one another and determining at least one dimensional magnitude for each particle of ground coffee of the plurality.