Contact Angle Measurement Sonication Droplet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact angle measurement apparatuses require dismantling, cleaning, and re-filling for subsequent measurements, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when operating at high temperatures, and cannot remove fluid droplets from rock samples without damaging the samples.
Innovation Solution
A contact angle measurement system that uses sonication to detach fluid droplets from rock samples without removing the samples from the apparatus, allowing for repeated measurements on the same sample by transmitting sound waves through a bulk fluid, such as water, to remove the droplets while maintaining the rock sample in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the apparatus is dismantled and re-filled for subsequent measurements, then the fluid droplet can be removed from the rock sample, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid droplet removal function from the mechanical dismantling process by introducing a sonicator that uses ultrasonic vibrations to detach droplets from the rock sample surface, allowing rapid removal without disassembling the apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of dismantling and re-filling with an acoustic field-based sonication system that uses ultrasonic waves to remove fluid droplets, significantly reducing measurement time and operational complexity
2Reliability
If the rock sample is removed from the holder for droplet removal, then the droplet can be detached, but the sample may be damaged and the measurement process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sonicator as an intermediary device that mediates between the need to remove droplets and the need to preserve sample integrity, using ultrasonic vibrations to detach droplets without mechanical contact or sample removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical manipulation of the sample with acoustic field-based sonication, allowing droplet removal while the sample remains securely held, thus preventing damage and maintaining measurement continuity
3Productivity
If the apparatus is dismantled for subsequent measurements, then the droplet can be removed, but the device complexity increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the holder assembly multi-functional by enabling it to both hold the rock sample securely and accommodate a sonicator for droplet removal, eliminating the need for dismantling and re-filling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sample holding function with the droplet removal function by integrating the sonicator with the holder assembly, allowing both functions to be performed without apparatus reconfiguration
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 multiple, repeated contact angle measurements on a rock sample without dismantling the apparatus, maintaining sample integrity and reducing the time required for testing, while also allowing for precise temperature control to simulate subterranean conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The housing can transmit the sound wave to the fluid droplet on the rock sample, and the sound wave can sonically remove the fluid droplet from the rock sample
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A contact angle measurement system includes a housing, a rock sample holder positioned within the housing, a fluid dropper attached to the housing, and a sonicator attached to the housing. The holder can support a rock sample whose contact angle is to be measured. The fluid dropper is positioned relative to the holder to drop a fluid droplet on the rock sample when the rock sample is supported by the holder. The housing can transmit the sound wave to the fluid droplet on the rock sample, and the sound wave can sonically remove the fluid droplet from the rock sample.