Fluid Detection Sensor Using Light Array for Slug Flow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid detection sensors are inadequate for detecting the movement speed, magnitude, and changes in slug flows formed by immiscible fluids, as they often specialize in specific purposes and lack favorable sensing performance for various slug flow configurations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid detection sensor and device that utilize a light emitting element array and a light receiving element array, combined with a transparent tubular flow path and a reflecting member, to detect changes in light caused by the movement of immiscible fluids, enabling the detection of movement speed, magnitude, and changes in slug flows through differences in refractive index, transparency, and other properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light receiving sensor is used to detect fluid interface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensing performance for detecting movement speed, magnitude, and changes in slug flows deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving sensor is divided into multiple independent light receiving elements arranged in an array. Each element detects light at a different position, enabling the system to measure not only the presence of the fluid interface but also its position, movement speed, and changes in slug flow characteristics. This segmentation transforms a single-function sensor into a multi-functional detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection capability is extended from one-dimensional (presence/absence of fluid) to two-dimensional (position and movement along the flow path). By arranging light receiving elements in an array along the flow direction, the system can detect the position and movement of the fluid interface, thereby measuring movement speed and changes in slug flow magnitude.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are arranged to detect liquid phase and gas phase of meniscus, then the detection capability for specific fluid phases is improved, but the adaptability to various fluid combinations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is designed to detect optical property differences (refractive index, transparency) rather than being specific to particular fluid phases. This universal approach allows the same sensor configuration to detect interfaces between any immiscible fluids (gas-liquid, liquid-liquid) by exploiting their inherent optical property differences, making the system adaptable to various fluid combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection method relies on changes in optical parameters (light transmission, refraction) that occur at fluid interfaces. By monitoring these parameter changes rather than relying on phase-specific characteristics, the system can detect interfaces between different fluid combinations, enhancing versatility while maintaining detection 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
This solution provides favorable sensing performance for detecting the movement speed, magnitude, and changes in slug flows, applicable to various fluid combinations, improving detection accuracy and versatility in applications such as microreactors and organic synthesis.
Implementation Method 1
detecting changes of light which occur in accordance with a movement of a plurality of fluids by receiving light which is emitted by a light emitting element array toward a slug flow in a flow path and is reflected by a reflecting member, with a light receiving element array
Implementation Method 2
receiving light which is emitted by a light emitting element array toward a slug flow in a flow path and is reflected by a reflecting member
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid detection sensor of the disclosure includes: an optical sensor including a light emitting element array including a plurality of light emitting elements and a light receiving element array including a plurality of light receiving elements, the light emitting element array and the light receiving element array being arranged on a substrate along a longitudinal direction of the substrate; a flow path member which includes a tubular body which is transparent and is arranged along the longitudinal direction facing the optical sensor, an inside of the tubular body constituting a flow path through which a plurality of substantially immiscible fluids flow as a slug flow; and a reflecting member placed on a side opposite to the optical sensor with respect to the flow path. The fluid detection sensor detects changes in light which occur in accordance with a movement of the plurality of fluids by the light receiving element array receiving light which is emitted by the light emitting element array toward the slug flow in the flow path and is reflected by the reflecting member.