Flow Cell Spray Ring Inversion for Window Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spray ring configurations for cleaning viewing windows in flow cells create pockets that allow material to pool and obstruct views, particularly in applications with small gaps between windows, leading to erroneous analysis results and inadequate light penetration.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell device with a spray ring design that does not protrude past the window surface, featuring cleaning ports oriented to eject cleaning fluid directly towards the window, ensuring no crevices form between the windows and allowing for a small gap while preventing particulate buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional spray ring configuration is used to clean the viewing window, then the cleaning function is provided, but a pocket is created in the flow path that allows material to pool and obstruct the view
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the spray ring protrude forward of the window surface to clean the window, the spray ring is positioned flush with or recessed from the window surface. The cleaning ports are oriented to eject cleaning fluid backward toward the window surface, reversing the conventional forward-protruding configuration and eliminating the flow pocket problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning ports are strategically oriented at specific angles within the spray ring to eject cleaning fluid directly toward the window surface. This localized directional control of cleaning fluid ensures effective window cleaning while maintaining smooth fluid flow through the aperture without creating pockets.
2Ease of operation
If the spray ring extends forward of the window surface, then cleaning fluid can be sprayed back onto the glass, but the gap between viewing windows must be larger which prohibits use in applications requiring small gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The spray ring configuration is inverted from the conventional design where it protrudes forward. By positioning the spray ring flush with or recessed from the window surface and ejecting cleaning fluid backward, the design eliminates the need for a large gap between windows, enabling use in applications with tight window spacings.
3Ease of operation
If the spray ring protrudes forward of the window surface, then cleaning is enabled, but eddy currents are created that trap fluid in front of the window causing erroneous analysis results
Solution Approach 1:
By reversing the conventional spray ring configuration to eject cleaning fluid backward rather than forward, the design eliminates eddy currents and fluid trapping in front of the window. This ensures accurate fluid flow and prevents erroneous analysis results while maintaining window cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning ports are oriented at specific angles to eject cleaning fluid directly toward the window surface in a controlled manner. This localized directional control prevents the creation of eddy currents and ensures smooth fluid flow through the aperture, maintaining measurement precision.
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
The solution effectively prevents material from pooling and sticking to the windows, maintaining clear views and accurate analysis by ensuring uninterrupted fluid flow and sufficient light penetration, even in applications with tight window spacings.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning fluid provided under pressure to the cleaning fluid inlet port is ejected from the cleaning port toward the second window
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cell device for observing a fluid includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a first viewing member, and a second viewing member. The first viewing member, which is disposed in and coupled to the housing, includes a first window and a spray ring. The spray ring includes cleaning ports in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid inlet port. The second viewing member includes a second window and is disposed in and coupled to the housing opposite the first viewing member such that an aperture that is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet is defined between the first window and the second window. The spray ring does not extend past a surface of the first window facing the aperture and each of the cleaning ports is oriented such that a fluid provided under pressure to the cleaning ports is ejected toward the second window.