Flocculation State Determination via Scattered Light Intensity Change Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the flocculation state of particles in a liquid treatment process are inaccurate due to the reversal of correlation between particle size and the change width of received light intensity, especially when particle sizes are smaller or larger than the measurement region's diameter.
Innovation Solution
A method involving irradiating a liquid with laser light to determine the flocculation state based on the change width of received light intensity, which includes a correlation acquisition step to establish the relationship between particle size and the change width, and a determination step to accurately assess the flocculation state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conventional method using scattered light amplitude is used to determine particle size, then the measurement can be performed continuously, but the measurement precision deteriorates when particle sizes are smaller or larger than the measurement region diameter due to correlation reversal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from scattered light amplitude alone to a combination of scattered light intensity and its rate of change. By utilizing both the intensity value and its temporal derivative, the system can distinguish between particles of different sizes even when the correlation between amplitude and particle size reverses, thereby maintaining measurement precision across a wider particle size range while preserving continuous measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces the rate of change of scattered light intensity as an intermediary parameter to resolve the ambiguity caused by correlation reversal. This additional parameter acts as a mediator that provides extra information to differentiate between particles whose scattered light amplitudes might otherwise be indistinguishable, enabling accurate particle size determination throughout the measurement process
2Reliability
If the addition amount of flocculant is increased to improve removal of turbidity and organic matter, then the water quality improvement becomes inadequate, but excessive addition causes flocculant leakage and increased load on downstream treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback control system where the flocculant addition amount is continuously adjusted based on real-time particle size measurements. By monitoring the flocculation state through optical measurements and comparing it against target values, the system automatically modulates the flocculant dosage to maintain optimal conditions, preventing both insufficient treatment and excessive addition that would cause downstream problems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static, fixed-dosage flocculant addition to a dynamic control system that continuously adapts the addition amount based on real-time water quality parameters. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing conditions in the wastewater stream, optimizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing flocculant consumption and preventing downstream contamination
3Measurement precision
If bench-scale tests are conducted to determine optimal chemical dosage, then quantitative data can be obtained, but the evaluation cannot be performed continuously and it takes time to reflect results in operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces periodic bench-scale testing with continuous in-line measurement and control. The optical sensing system operates continuously, providing real-time quantitative data on particle size and flocculation state, which immediately feeds into the control system for instantaneous adjustment of operating parameters, eliminating the time delays inherent in batch testing and manual implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical bench-scale testing process with an optical measurement and automated control system. Instead of manual jar tests and laboratory analysis, the system uses non-contact optical sensors to continuously monitor flocculation parameters and automatically adjusts chemical dosing, substituting a fast, automated electronic control system for the slow, manual mechanical testing process
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 method enables more accurate determination of the flocculation state, allowing for precise adjustment of flocculant addition, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the flocculation treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a liquid containing particles with laser light and determining a flocculation state of particles based on a change width of received light intensity of scattered light resulting from scattering of the laser light due to the particles
Data Source
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AI summary
This method for determining a flocculation state is for irradiating a liquid containing particles with laser light and determining a flocculation state of the particles on the basis of a change width of received light intensity of scattered light resulting from scattering of the laser light due to the particles, and includes: a correlation acquisition step of obtaining a correlation between the particle size of the particles and the change width of received light intensity; and a determination step of determining a flocculation state of the particles on the basis of the correlation.