Flow Cell Particle Analysis via Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-line measurement techniques for industrial liquids containing solid matter, such as those in the forest, oil, and water treatment industries, face challenges like time delays in off-line methods and lack of accuracy in on-line methods, along with issues like flocculation and mechanical/chemical sticking in fractionation systems, which hinder effective monitoring of particle size and hydrophobicity.
Innovation Solution
A robust on-line system utilizing field flow fractionation with a disintegration channel and optical measurements, where a sample is stained with a dye and fractionated based on particle size and mass, allowing for continuous monitoring of hydrophobic/hydrophilic particles, and extracting key variables like particle counts and hydrophobicity using light scattering and fluorescence signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If off-line batch sampling and laboratory analyses are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical laboratory analysis with automated optical measurement systems that use light scattering and fluorescence detection to measure particle properties in real-time, eliminating the need for manual sample preparation and laboratory processing while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by incorporating all necessary measurement functions directly into the process line, where the measurement device automatically analyzes particles as they flow through the system without requiring external laboratory intervention or manual sample handling
2Loss of time
If on-line measurement methods are used, then response time is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow cells as intermediary structures that allow particles to pass through in a controlled manner, enabling on-line measurement while maintaining accuracy by ensuring particles are properly positioned and illuminated for optical detection without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by using multiple optical detection methods (light scattering at different angles, fluorescence detection) simultaneously to capture comprehensive particle information, allowing accurate on-line measurement of particle size, concentration, and properties without manual analysis
3Manufacturing precision
If fractionation techniques are used, then particle separation is improved, but mechanical sticking and chemical sticking occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts particles from the bulk flow into separate flow cells for individual measurement, removing them from the environment that causes sticking, and measuring them in isolation where their optical properties can be detected without interference from aggregation or adhesion to surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical fractionation methods that cause particle sticking with optical detection methods that measure particles in situ, using light scattering and fluorescence to characterize particles without requiring physical separation or contact with surfaces that would cause adhesion
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 accurate, real-time monitoring of particle properties in industrial liquids, overcoming limitations of existing methods by providing detailed information on particle size distribution and hydrophobicity without the need for manual pre-treatment, suitable for continuous operation and effective process control.
Implementation Method 1
a dye is added to the sample to stain the particles contained therein
Implementation Method 2
a disintegration channel with a liquid flow having a non-constant temporal velocity profile... causing fractioning of the sample particles
Implementation Method 3
The sample can be fractionated, pretreated or untreated... by fractionation, or by settling or centrifugation, e.g. according to the mass or size (or both) of the particles
Implementation Method 4
extracting key variables like particle counts and hydrophobicity using light scattering and fluorescence signals
Implementation Method 5
extracting key variables like particle counts and hydrophobicity using light scattering and fluorescence signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring of particles properties in a stream and the use of such method and system. In particular, the invention concerns sampling of liquids like aqueous suspensions or filtrates that contain solid matter in forest industry, oil and mining industry, as well as in and water treatment, desalination or water reuse processes, and in subsequent measurement of the samples. A sample from a stream of liquid is dyed to stain particles contained in the sample, which is conducted to a first flow chamber (23) having means for causing said sample to be divided into particle populations according to their size or mass. A liquid flow is applied through the first flow chamber to cause at least one particle population to flow into a second flow chamber (24). The particle populations are measured to produce at least one measurement signal representative of the amount and/or properties of the particles, and processing extract key variables of each particle population and presenting them as an analysis of particle populations or the whole sample in terms of a count and size of particles and/or their hydrophobicity.