Fluorescent Liquid Spray Analysis for Noncontact Droplet Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing liquid sprays, such as mechanical and optical systems, suffer from inaccuracies, computational intensity, and imaging errors, making it difficult to accurately measure droplet size, shape, and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence-based method using a fluorescent liquid composition with two types of fluorophores and a sheet of light projected through the spray, capturing light in a side scattering orientation to determine spray characteristics by analyzing the intensities of light emitted by each fluorophore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical droplet collection methods are used, then physical distribution measurement is provided, but the collection device alters droplet trajectory and introduces significant measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collection systems with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically collecting droplets in bins which alter their trajectory, the system uses fluorescence imaging to non-contactly measure droplet distribution, size, and concentration, eliminating the harmful mechanical interference while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescence as an intermediary mechanism. Fluorescent tracers are added to the liquid, and their fluorescence emission is detected optically. This intermediary approach allows measurement of droplet characteristics without direct mechanical contact, as the fluorescence signal serves as a proxy for droplet presence and distribution.
2Measurement precision
If optical imaging methods are used, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but the methods are slow and computationally intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from traditional optical intensity to fluorescence emission intensity. By using fluorescence, the system achieves faster acquisition speeds while maintaining measurement precision. The fluorescence signal provides direct information about droplet concentration and distribution without requiring complex image reconstruction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence emission (color/light wavelength changes) as the measurement signal. Fluorescent tracers absorb light at one wavelength and emit at a different wavelength, providing a distinct signal that can be rapidly detected and quantified. This color-based approach enables faster measurement compared to traditional grayscale imaging methods.
3Measurement precision
If traditional optical methods are used, then spray imaging is achieved, but imaging errors and systematic uncertainties occur due to Mie scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorescent tracers as an intermediary that converts the measurement problem. Instead of directly imaging droplets and dealing with scattering errors, the fluorescence signal from tracers provides a more reliable measure of droplet concentration and distribution. The fluorescence emission wavelength is distinct from the excitation wavelength, allowing separation of signal from scattering background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from scattered light intensity to fluorescence emission intensity. By measuring fluorescence at a specific wavelength band that does not overlap with the excitation wavelength, the system eliminates Mie scattering artifacts while maintaining spray characteristic measurement capability.
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 faster, less computationally intensive, and more accurate analysis of liquid spray characteristics, including droplet distribution and composition, by utilizing emission-reabsorption effects and ratiometric techniques.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a fluorescent liquid composition comprising fluorophores of a first type and fluorophores of a second type, wherein the fluorophores of the first type are excitable by absorption of electromagnetic radiation in a first absorption wavelength band and are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, following excitation, in a first emission wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
capturing, in a side scattering orientation, light scattered by the spray within the sheet plane
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analysing a spray of liquid from a nozzle comprises: receiving a fluorescent liquid composition comprising fluorophores of a first type and fluorophores of a second type, wherein the fluorophores of the first type are excitable by absorption of electromagnetic radiation in a first absorption wavelength band and are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, following excitation, in a first emission wavelength band, and wherein the fluorophores of the second type are excitable by absorption of electromagnetic radiation in a second absorption wavelength band and are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, following excitation, in a second emission wavelength band, wherein the first emission wavelength band overlaps with the second absorption wavelength band; ejecting the fluorescent liquid composition from the nozzle to generate a spray; projecting, within a sheet plane, a sheet of light through the spray, wherein the light comprises wavelengths within the first absorption wavelength band and within the second absorption wavelength band; capturing, in a side scattering orientation, light scattered by the spray within the sheet plane and determining a first intensity corresponding to an intensity of the captured light within the first emission wavelength band and a second intensity corresponding to an intensity of the captured light within the second emission wavelength band; and determining a characteristic of the spray based on the first intensity and the second intensity.