Gas Supply Layout for Stable Flow Measurement in Mechanical Foaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas supply systems in mixing-discharging apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring gas flow rates due to sudden fluctuations, which affect the precision of gas amount measurement, especially when there is a large pressure difference between the gas flow path and the vacuum chamber.
Innovation Solution
A gas supply system with a regulator, flow meter, gas storage portion, and valve configuration, where the flow meter is placed upstream of the gas storage portion, and the volume ratio of the storage portion to the piston pump is optimized to minimize flow rate fluctuations, combined with a controller to manage gas supply and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a valve is opened to supply gas from a gas supply source to a vacuum chamber, then gas can be delivered to the chamber, but sudden flow rate fluctuations occur due to large pressure difference, causing deterioration of measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A flow rate stabilization portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the valve and the vacuum chamber. This stabilization portion acts as a buffer that dampens sudden pressure changes and flow rate fluctuations when the valve is opened, allowing the flow meter to accurately measure gas flow rates even during rapid gas delivery to the vacuum chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate stabilization portion is pre-positioned in the gas supply path before gas flow measurement. By having this stabilization component already in place before opening the valve, the system prepares to absorb and smooth out the inevitable pressure surges and flow fluctuations that occur during valve opening, thereby preventing measurement accuracy deterioration from the outset.
2Measurement precision
If a flow meter is placed in the gas supply path to measure gas flow rate, then gas amount can be measured, but the measurement becomes inaccurate when flow rate fluctuates faster than the flow meter's sampling time
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate stabilization portion serves as a mediator between the gas supply source and the flow meter. It smooths out rapid flow rate fluctuations that would otherwise occur faster than the flow meter's sampling rate, ensuring that the flow meter receives a more stable flow signal for accurate measurement of gas amount.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate stabilization portion provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and dampening sudden flow rate changes before they reach the flow meter. This cushioning effect occurs in advance of the measurement point, preventing the flow meter from encountering flow fluctuations that exceed its sampling capability.
3Stress or pressure
If a regulator is used to maintain constant gas pressure, then pressure control is achieved, but flow rate fluctuations still occur when the valve is opened due to large pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate stabilization portion is introduced as an additional intermediary component downstream of the regulator. While the regulator maintains constant upstream pressure, the stabilization portion further dampens flow rate fluctuations that occur during valve opening, providing an extra layer of flow stabilization that the regulator alone cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate stabilization portion is positioned to act on gas flow before it reaches the measurement and delivery points. By establishing flow stabilization in advance through this dedicated component, the system addresses flow rate instability that persists despite pressure regulation, preparing the gas flow for accurate measurement and controlled delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention allows measurement of a precise amount of gas by preventing sudden flow rate fluctuations of gas. A gas supply system 1a for a mixing-discharging apparatus 90 to mix gas and paste material includes a regulator 2 adapted to control pressure of gas supplied to the mixing-discharging apparatus, a flow meter 3 adapted to measure flow rate of the gas, a gas storage portion 4 adapted to store the gas, and a valve 5 adapted to open and close a gas introduction path 11 to the mixing-discharging apparatus 90. The flow meter 3 is placed in front of the gas storage portion 4 and behind the regulator 2 with respect to a flow of the gas.