Digital Flame Imaging for Smoke Point Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining the smoke point of hydrocarbons, such as those described in the ASTM D 1322 standard, suffer from limitations in accuracy due to subjective operator assessment and visual measurement of flame height, leading to low repeatability and reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A method using a digital camera to capture and analyze images of the flame, detecting sudden changes in shape to determine the smoke point, with automated image processing and calibration to improve accuracy and reduce operator subjectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual measurement by operator is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to subjective assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual measurement system with an automated digital image processing system. A camera captures images of the flame, and computer software automatically analyzes the flame height and shape characteristics, eliminating the need for operator visual assessment and subjective judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the flame through photography. Instead of directly measuring the physical flame, the system captures an image copy and performs measurements on the digital representation, which can be analyzed objectively without disturbing the actual flame.
2Measurement precision
If automated digital image analysis is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard digital camera, which is a multi-functional device already widely available. This universal device serves the specific function of flame measurement without requiring a custom-built complex measurement system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the computer's existing image processing capabilities and software to analyze the flame images. Rather than requiring specialized dedicated hardware, the system leverages the self-service capabilities of standard computing equipment to perform the measurement analysis.
3Device complexity
If operator visual assessment is used, then the equipment cost is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to low repeatability and reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human operator's visual assessment system with an automated digital imaging and processing system. This substitution eliminates the variability inherent in human judgment and provides consistent, repeatable measurements across different operators and testing sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides objective digital feedback through captured images and automated analysis results. The flame characteristics are quantified through image processing algorithms that provide consistent feedback regardless of operator fatigue or subjectivity, thereby improving measurement reliability.
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 significantly enhances the accuracy of smoke point measurement, achieving repeatability and reproducibility that is 6 to 7 times better than the standard methods, with standard deviations of around 0.1 mm.
Implementation Method 1
a series of digital images of the flame is taken and stored using a digital camera
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the smoke point of a hydrocarbon, comprising, among the different steps defined in the ASTM D 1322 standard or equivalents thereof, the identification, among different aspects of the flame according to the position of the burner in the lamp, of a particular aspect of the flame and the reading of the height of this flame on a graduated scale in mm. The invention is characterized by the fact that a series of digital images of the flame is taken and recorded with the aid of a digital camera or the like at intervals sufficiently close for permitting, by analyzing these digital images, the detection of a sudden change in the shape of the flame, and that the height of this flame is measured at the moment of this sudden change in its shape, said height being considered as the smoke point of the tested hydrocarbon.