Direct Optical Flocculation Detection with Adaptive Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the flocculation threshold of asphaltenes in hydrocarbon products are not sufficiently simple, fast, and accurate for continuous control of processing units, and do not allow direct analysis of a wide range of products according to their asphaltene content, often requiring operator intervention and leading to signal oscillations and prolonged measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A device with a measuring cell operating by direct optical transmission and a motorized displacement member, along with a management system to adjust the optical path and light intensity, allowing automated measurement of the flocculation threshold using a single probe, capable of measuring various absorbent products without signal oscillations, and enabling continuous measurement in milliseconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods for measuring flocculation threshold are used, then measurement can be performed, but measurement time is prolonged and operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of optical path length and light intensity through automated feedback control, eliminating the need for operator intervention. The management system automatically adjusts the motorized displacement member and light intensity based on real-time transmission measurements, enabling unattended continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operator adjustments are replaced by an automated management system that controls the motorized displacement member and light intensity modulation. The system uses electronic feedback loops to automatically optimize measurement parameters, substituting mechanical/manual operations with automated electronic control
2Measurement precision
If existing measurement methods are used, then flocculation threshold can be detected, but signal oscillations occur and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the light receiver continuously monitors transmission and sends signals back to the management system. The management system adjusts the motorized displacement member and light intensity based on this feedback to maintain optimal measurement conditions and eliminate signal oscillations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes measurement parameters including optical path length and light intensity to optimize for different products and measurement conditions. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system maintains stable signals and high measurement accuracy across a wide range of asphaltene-containing products
3Device complexity
If a single probe is used for measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different products is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single probe is made dynamically adjustable through the motorized displacement member that changes the optical path length, and light intensity modulation. This dynamic adaptability allows the same probe to accommodate measurements across a wide range of products with different absorbency characteristics without requiring multiple fixed probes
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe design with automated adjustment capabilities serves multiple functions and can measure a wide variety of products containing asphaltenes. The management system enables the probe to adapt to different measurement requirements, making one probe universally applicable rather than requiring specialized probes for different product types
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
The device provides rapid and accurate measurements of the flocculation threshold, allowing continuous monitoring and reducing measurement time to milliseconds, while maintaining high accuracy and eliminating the need for operator intervention, suitable for a broad range of products.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring cell operating by direct optical transmission and having a measuring chamber defined by fixed walls, intended to receive the medium inside the measuring chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring the flocculation threshold of a colloidal medium by means of the addition of an aliphatic solvent, the device comprising: a measuring cell (10) operating by means of direct optical transmission, said measuring cell including a measuring chamber which is defined by fixed walls and intended to receive the medium inside the measuring chamber, a light transmitter (12) configured to transmit a light beam entering the measuring chamber in a transmission direction, a light receiver (14) configured to directly receive the light beam leaving the measuring chamber, optionally an optical element located between the transmitter and the measuring chamber, and a motorised movement member (16) for moving one element chosen from among the transmitter, the measuring cell and the optical element, in a direction parallel to the transmission direction; and a system (20) for managing the motorised movement member, which system is designed to adjust the volume of the measuring chamber through which the light beam passes.