Electrical Tomography for Real-Time Agrochemical Mixture Homogeneity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural mixtures of liquid and solid materials tend to separate over time, especially due to temperature changes, leading to ineffective application and equipment clogging, with traditional monitoring methods being unreliable and invasive.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrical tomography to monitor mixture homogeneity in real-time by applying an electric potential and measuring conductivity, allowing for continuous assessment of sedimentation and liquid layering without physical sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sampling methods are used to monitor mixture homogeneity, then physical samples can be obtained for analysis, but the monitoring process becomes invasive and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling systems with electrical measurement systems. Instead of physically extracting and analyzing mixture samples, the system uses electrodes to measure electrical conductivity and capacitance properties, which correlate with mixture homogeneity. This substitution eliminates contamination risks and provides continuous non-invasive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical properties (conductivity, capacitance) as intermediary parameters to indirectly assess mixture homogeneity. Rather than directly measuring physical composition, the system measures electrical characteristics that change predictably with homogeneity, providing a reliable proxy measurement that avoids direct mechanical intervention.
2Productivity
If mixture monitoring is performed continuously, then real-time homogeneity data is obtained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electrical measurement system to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same electrode array used for conductivity measurements also provides capacitance data, and both parameters can be used to assess different aspects of mixture homogeneity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring systems and minimizes overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in electrical parameters (conductivity, capacitance) over time to detect homogeneity variations. By tracking parameter changes rather than absolute values, the system can identify trends and alert operators to potential separation issues without requiring complex absolute measurement systems, simplifying the monitoring approach.
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 real-time, non-invasive monitoring of mixture stability, preventing ineffective application and equipment issues, and optimizing mixing parameters for uniform distribution.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, using the plurality of sensors, a conductivity of the mixture resulting from the applied electric potential
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring a status of a composition containing an agrochemical active ingredient in real time.