Fluid Imaging Channel Segmented Flow for Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for real-time monitoring of liquids lack effective means to identify micro objects or particles, such as microorganisms and contaminants, which can lead to system malfunctions and quality issues in various applications, including water treatment and industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow channel with a laminar imaging portion and a filtration unit that allows for the imaging and monitoring of fluids, featuring a planar imaging segment with sloping segments for maintaining laminar flow and a filtration unit that filters out particles larger than a predetermined size, enabling the detection of contaminants and particulate matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used for liquid monitoring, then general liquid flow can be observed, but micro objects or particles cannot be effectively identified
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first portion for turbulent flow and particle aggregation, a second portion for laminar flow and imaging, and connecting portions with sloping segments. This segmentation allows different flow regimes to be established in different regions, enabling effective particle identification without requiring complex imaging systems throughout the entire channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow regime parameter from turbulent flow in the first portion to laminar flow in the second portion by using sloping segments with specific thickness variations. This parameter change optimizes particle aggregation in the turbulent region while providing stable, clear imaging conditions in the laminar region, thereby improving detection precision without excessive complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If turbulent flow is used for particle aggregation, then particles can be concentrated, but imaging quality deteriorates due to flow instability
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into a first portion where turbulent flow concentrates particles and a second portion where laminar flow provides imaging stability. The sloping segments connecting these portions facilitate smooth transition while maintaining particle concentration. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both high particle concentration and high imaging quality in different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging function is extracted from the turbulent flow region and placed in the laminar flow region. By taking out the imaging portion from the turbulent environment and locating it in the stable laminar flow portion, the system achieves both effective particle aggregation (in the first portion) and high-quality imaging (in the second portion).
3Ease of manufacture
If the flow channel thickness is uniform, then manufacturing is simplified, but flow regime transition and imaging optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel employs local quality variations through sloping segments with specific thickness profiles. The channel thickness is locally adjusted in the connecting portions to facilitate turbulent-to-laminar flow transition, while maintaining appropriate thickness in the imaging portion for optimal imaging. This localized thickness variation achieves reliable flow control without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire channel.
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 identification and analysis of contaminants and particulate matter in liquids, ensuring system functionality and quality assurance by maintaining laminar flow conditions for accurate imaging and filtration, thereby optimizing filtration systems and process control.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid in the imaging portion is characterized substantially by a laminar flow
Implementation Method 2
The imaging segment comprises at least one transparent wall to permit imaging of fluid flowing therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a system for imaging and monitoring fluids to identify the presence of objects therein. Objects that are being identified by the system include, for example, microorganisms, particles, bacteria, cells, foreign substances (e.g. bubbles of air in a liquid, substance that may change visual parameters of the main liquid such as color and transparency), etc. Identification of the objects by the system is then may be followed by analysis to conclude the status of the system (e.g. identifying contamination, impurities, etc.).