Fluid Surface Deformation Sensing for Inline Rheology Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rheometers are complex to operate, time-consuming, and require specific knowledge for result interpretation, while pendant drop machines need specialized expertise for surface tension measurement, and both are not suitable for inline use.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that uses a pressure unit to apply gas pressure to a fluid surface, a detection unit to monitor deformation, and a determining unit to correlate the deformation with reference data for accurate rheological and interfacial property measurement, utilizing a laser sensor and computer simulations for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional rheometers are used to measure rheological properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex traditional rheometers by using only a simple pressure application mechanism and optical detection system. The core rheological measurement capability is isolated and implemented through a minimal apparatus that applies pressure to a fluid surface and detects surface deformation optically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical rheometer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model system that copies the essential measurement principle of traditional rheometers. Instead of using complex rotational or extensional rheometers, the invention uses a pressure-induced surface deformation model that replicates rheological measurement through optical detection of surface profile changes, providing accurate measurements through a simpler analogous system.
2Measurement precision
If traditional rheometers are used for measurement, then rheological properties can be determined, but measurement time increases and sample destruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system of traditional rheometers with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical sensors and complex mechanical interactions to measure rheological properties, the invention uses optical detection of surface deformation, which is faster and non-contact, thereby reducing measurement time and avoiding sample destruction.
3Measurement precision
If pendant drop machines are used for surface tension measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation difficulty and specialized knowledge requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can determine multiple fluid properties including surface tension, viscosity, and rheological parameters through a single integrated apparatus. The system uses pressure application and optical detection to measure various properties without requiring separate specialized equipment or expertise for each measurement type, making operation simpler while maintaining accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If traditional rheometers are used, then comprehensive rheological data can be obtained, but inline implementation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement capability from traditional laboratory rheometers and implements it in a simplified form suitable for inline applications. By removing complex mechanical components and using non-contact optical detection with simple pressure application, the system becomes adaptable for inline implementation while retaining the ability to measure comprehensive rheological properties.
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 rapid, accurate measurement of viscosity, surface tension, and other fluid properties without sample destruction, suitable for inline applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure unit arranged for providing a quantity of a gas, preferably air, at a predetermined pressure to a surface of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit arranged for detecting a surface deformation of the fluid, due to the pressurized gas
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method arranged for measuring a rheological and/or interfacial property comprising: —a pressure unit arranged for providing a quantity of a gas at a predetermined pressure to a surface of the fluid; —a detection unit arranged for detecting a surface deformation of the fluid, due to the pressurized gas at a plurality of locations at the surface of the fluid; —a reference register comprising reference data related to surface deformations of respective fluids, and related to known rheological and/or interfacial properties of the respective fluids; —a determining unit arranged for: —receiving the detected surface deformation from the detection unit; —accessing the reference data of the reference register; —determining respective correlations between the detected surface deformation, and the surface deformations of the respective fluids from the accessed reference data; and —identifying a fluid of the respective fluids of the reference data based on a maximum correlation among the determined respective correlations; and —an output unit arranged for outputting the rheological and/or interfacial property respectively corresponding with the fluid identified by the determining unit. A method for measuring a rheological and/or interfacial property of a fluid.