3D Conductivity Imaging via Time-Resolved State Space Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impedance tomography methods struggle to produce accurate three-dimensional images of electrical conductivity distributions in mass flows within pipelines, requiring multiple electrode rings and increasing sensor complexity and cost, while also failing to determine the side of the electrode plane where deviations like air bubbles occur.
Innovation Solution
A method using a state space model that defines the relationships between electrical conductivity, voltage, and current, allowing for three-dimensional conductivity distribution determination based on measurements from a single plane, incorporating a time-dependent flow field to account for symmetry-related ambiguities and simplify sensor design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sequential electrode rings are used to produce three-dimensional images, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the time dimension to reconstruct three-dimensional conductivity distributions. By measuring conductivity changes over time as material flows through the sensor and using a flow model, the system infers three-dimensional information from two-dimensional cross-sectional measurements taken at a single plane, eliminating the need for multiple electrode rings along the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flow model as an intermediary to connect the two-dimensional measurement data with the three-dimensional conductivity distribution. The flow model, which describes material movement through the pipeline, serves as a bridge that allows reconstruction of three-dimensional structures from limited two-dimensional measurements by simulating how conductivity patterns evolve as material passes through the sensor plane.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sequential electrode rings are used to determine three-dimensional conductivity distribution, then measurement precision improves, but the sensor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the time dimension to reconstruct three-dimensional conductivity distributions. By measuring conductivity changes over time as material flows through the sensor and using a flow model, the system infers three-dimensional information from two-dimensional cross-sectional measurements taken at a single plane, eliminating the need for multiple electrode rings along the pipeline.
3Device complexity
If conventional impedance tomography is used with a single electrode plane, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine the side of the electrode plane where deviations occur is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the time dimension to reconstruct three-dimensional conductivity distributions. By measuring conductivity changes over time as material flows through the sensor and using a flow model, the system infers three-dimensional information from two-dimensional cross-sectional measurements taken at a single plane, eliminating the need for multiple electrode rings along the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the flow model in advance of the reconstruction process. The flow model, which describes the expected movement of material through the pipeline, is used to predict how conductivity patterns should evolve over time. This preliminary modeling allows the system to interpret measurement data and determine the positions of conductivity deviations (such as gas bubbles) relative to the electrode plane, even though measurements are taken at a single plane.
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 efficient three-dimensional conductivity analysis from two-dimensional measurement data, reducing sensor size and cost, and providing more information than prior methods, while accurately determining time-varying conductivity distributions in mass flows.
Implementation Method 1
One useful technique for said investigation of the properties of the flow is impedance tomography or impedance spectroscopy tomography. The word 'tomography' usually refers to cross-sectional imaging. By impedance tomography is meant in general electrical measurements made by means of electrodes placed on the surface of or within the target, and determination of the target's electrical conductivity distribution based on the measurements.
Implementation Method 2
collecting current or voltage values generated by supplying alternating voltage or alternating current to the target volume and measuring the current or the voltage, correspondingly, thereby induced in the target volume
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining the electrical conductivity of a mass flow in a three dimensional target volume (2) comprises the steps of placing electrodes (3) in a measuring connection with the target volume;supplying alternating voltage or alternating current to the tar- get volume between two of the electrodes (3) and measuring the current or the voltage between two of the electrodes (3);determining a state space model which defines the relationships between the electrical conductivity, the voltage and the current in the target volume (2) and which also defines the evolution of the electrical conductivity as a function of time; comparing the currents and/or the voltages according to the state space model with the supplied and the measured ones; and modifying as needed the state space model to decrease the differences between the calculated and the measured results. According to the present invention, the electrodes (3) are placed substantially within one plane (4); and the state space model is determined so as to comprise the time-dependent flow field of the mass flow within the target volume (2).