Dual Flow Rate Inclusion Characterization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Characterization of liquid samples with high concentrations of inclusions is challenging due to variations in particle sizes and sample flow rates, which can skew concentration measurements and reduce accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involve delivering liquid samples to a sample optical cell at selected flow rates for preserving sample integrity and optimizing analysis, using dual flow rates for transport and analysis, and employing techniques like single optical particle sizing to determine inclusion concentrations and size distribution, with corrections applied for flow rate effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single flow rate is used for sample delivery, then the system operation is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to optimize for both sample integrity and analysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two flow rates: a first flow rate for sample delivery that preserves sample integrity, and a second flow rate for analysis that optimizes measurement accuracy. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the flow rate to the specific operational phase rather than using a fixed single rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample analysis process is segmented into distinct phases with different flow rate requirements: sample delivery phase and analysis phase. Each phase uses an optimized flow rate appropriate for its specific function, improving overall measurement accuracy without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If high flow rate is used for analysis, then larger inclusion sizes can be detected, but concentration measurement accuracy deteriorates due to reduced signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the flow rate parameter based on the analysis requirements: using higher flow rates when detecting larger inclusions and lower flow rates when measuring high concentrations. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize for different measurement objectives without hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate is dynamically adjusted during analysis based on the target inclusion characteristics. The system can switch between flow rate regimes to match the specific measurement needs, whether detecting large particles or quantifying high concentrations.
3Measurement precision
If low flow rate is used for analysis, then high concentration inclusions can be measured accurately, but the dynamic range of measurable sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects flow rates based on the concentration range being measured. For high concentration samples, lower flow rates are used to maintain measurement accuracy, while for lower concentration samples, higher flow rates expand the detectable size range. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between concentration accuracy and size range coverage.
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 enhances measurement accuracy by improving the dynamic range of measurable sizes and concentrations, allowing for precise characterization of both high and low concentration particles, and preventing signal interference, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the light scattered from the sample may be analyzed to determine the concentration and size distribution of inclusions in the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems and methods for optical characterization of inclusions, such as solids and liquids, in liquid samples. An inclusion characterization system may include a radiation source, a radiation detector, a sample optical cell, and a sample delivery mechanism. The radiation detector may be configured to perform time resolved measurements. The sample may be delivered to the sample optical cell by the sample delivery mechanism at a flow rate set for preserving the sample integrity (i.e., the transport rate). The inclusion characterization in the sample may be performed at flow rates set for sample analysis (i.e., the analysis rate). The analysis rate may differ from the transport rate. The rate difference may be achieved by diverting only a portion of the overall sample into the sample optical cell. Also provided are examples of disengagement of sample transport and analysis flow rates.