Dual Optical Path Measurement for Porous Medium Porosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical technologies, such as GASMAS, are not at a technical readiness level suitable for industrial applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, for determining properties like porosity and density of porous media.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing two different optical technologies, one for measuring the optical path through pores and another for measuring the total optical path, combined with a control unit for calculating optical porosity, physical porosity, or relative density, enabling non-invasive, fast, and spatially resolved measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GASMAS technique is used to measure gas absorption in porous media, then porosity determination is enabled, but the technical readiness level is insufficient for industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two optical measurement techniques: TDLAS for measuring optical path through pores (gas absorption) and another optical method for measuring total optical path through the porous medium. By merging these measurements, the system achieves both measurement precision for porosity determination and reliability for industrial applications through cross-validation and comprehensive data collection
2Productivity
If a robust optical technology is implemented for fast analysis, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration measurements and establishes reference data for the porous medium before conducting rapid measurements. This preliminary action enables subsequent fast measurements to maintain both speed and precision by comparing against pre-established standards and calibration curves
3Measurement precision
If dual optical technology system is used for comprehensive measurements, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors and measurement systems that serve multiple functions: measuring optical path through pores, measuring total optical path through the medium, and providing data for multiple property calculations (optical porosity, physical porosity, solid fraction, relative density). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each measurement type
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 non-invasive, fast, and spatially resolved measurements of optical porosity, physical porosity, and relative density, suitable for inline production, optimizing processes and providing direct control feedback.
Implementation Method 1
GASMAS is based on Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). Here the wavelength of a diode laser is tuned in wavelength across one or several gas absorption lines, to measure the amount of a certain gas species
Implementation Method 2
performing a second measurement on the sample of the porous medium obtaining a total optical path through the porous medium using a second sensor utilizing a second optical technology different from the first optical technology
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to system and method for determining at least one property of a porous medium and includes performing a first measurement on a sample of the porous medium obtaining an optical path through pores of the porous medium using a first sensor applied utilizing a first optical technology; performing a second measurement on the sample of the porous medium obtaining a total optical path through the porous medium using a second sensor utilizing a second optical technology different from the first optical technology; and calculating an optical porosity of the porous medium based on the optical path through the pores and the total optical path through the porous medium.