Fluorescent Resin Particles for Fluid Flow Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vinyl-based polymer particles with water-soluble fluorescent dyes are not suitable for large-scale fluid measurement as they separate emulsion and blur the image of fluid flow, failing to follow the fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
Fluorescent resin particles are developed with a monomer mixture comprising 20% to 80% of a first vinyl-based monomer and 80% to 20% of a second vinyl-based monomer, specifically styrene derivatives and (meth)acrylic acid esters, which inhibit emulsion formation during suspension polymerization, allowing the particles to follow fluid flow better.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional vinyl-based polymer particles with water-soluble fluorescent dyes are used, then fluorescence emission is achieved, but emulsion separates and blurs the image of fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer particles by incorporating specific hydrophobic monomers (styrene derivatives with 3-30 carbon atoms, (meth)acrylic acid esters with 10-30 carbon atoms, or vinyl esters with 10-30 carbon atoms) in controlled amounts (0.1-10 mass%). This compositional parameter change modifies the particle surface properties to prevent emulsion separation while maintaining fluorescence emission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer particles by combining multiple monomer types: hydrophobic monomers (for emulsion prevention), hydrophilic monomers (for water solubility and fluorescence compatibility), and fluorescent dye molecules. This composite structure achieves both fluorescence emission and emulsion stability simultaneously.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional vinyl-based polymer particles are used, then particle size can be increased for large-scale measurement, but particles do not follow fluid flow effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface hydrophobicity parameter of the particles by adding specific hydrophobic monomers. This parameter change improves the particles' ability to follow fluid flow by reducing unwanted emulsion separation and improving interfacial interactions with the fluid, enabling effective use of larger particles (10-1000 μm) for large-scale fluid visualization.
3Volume of moving object
If emulsion is present in fluorescent resin particles, then particle size can be large for visibility, but emulsion separates and blurs the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating hydrophobic monomers (styrene derivatives, (meth)acrylic acid esters, or vinyl esters with specific carbon atom ranges) in controlled amounts. This compositional parameter change stabilizes the emulsion within large particles, preventing separation and maintaining image clarity while enabling sufficient particle size for visibility in large-scale measurements.
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 particles prevent emulsion separation and image blurring, facilitating clear observation of fluid flow in large-scale fluid visualization by maintaining uniform distribution and fluorescence emission.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent resin particles containing a water-soluble fluorescent dye
Implementation Method 2
polymer made from a monomer mixture... polymerizing the vinyl-based monomer
Implementation Method 3
inhibit emulsion formation during suspension polymerization... prevent separation of the emulsion from the surfaces of the fluorescent resin particles
Data Source
AI summary
Fluorescent resin particles which comprise a water-soluble fluorescent dye and a polymer made from a monomer mixture.