Fluorescent Liquid Spray Analysis for Droplet Distribution
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 measure droplet distribution and composition accurately.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence-based method using a fluorescent liquid composition with two types of fluorophores, emitting at different wavelength bands, is projected through a liquid spray, and the intensities of light scattered in a side scattering orientation are measured to determine spray characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical droplet collection devices are used to measure liquid distribution, then physical distribution can be estimated, but the device alters droplet trajectories and introduces significant measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collection devices with an optical measurement system. A light sheet is projected through the spray, and a camera captures light scattered by the droplets. This optical method measures liquid distribution without physically contacting or altering the droplet trajectories, eliminating the harmful effect of mechanical intervention while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If optical imaging methods are used to measure spray droplets, then droplet distribution can be visualized, but the methods are slow and computationally intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluorescence emission wavelength bands to enable rapid measurement. By exciting fluorophores with a light sheet and detecting their characteristic emission wavelengths, the system can quickly determine spray characteristics without complex image reconstruction algorithms. This approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving speed and reducing computational requirements compared to conventional optical methods.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical methods are used, then spray imaging is possible, but imaging errors and systematic uncertainties from Mie scattering occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using fluorescence emission rather than relying on light scattering. By detecting the characteristic emission wavelength bands of fluorophores excited by the light sheet, the system avoids Mie scattering effects that plague conventional optical methods. This parameter change maintains spray imaging capability while eliminating systematic uncertainties and improving measurement reliability.
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 method enables faster, less computationally intensive, and more accurate determination of 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
the fluorophores of the first type are excitable by absorption of electromagnetic radiation in a first absorption wavelength band
Implementation Method 3
capturing, in a side scattering orientation, light scattered by the spray within the sheet plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method of analysing a spray of liquid (8) 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 (5) 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.