High Temperature Granular Angle of Repose Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the dynamic angle of repose of granular materials at high temperatures are inadequate, as they cannot accurately determine this critical parameter necessary for the design and optimization of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems and other industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hollow chamber with an optically transparent window, a rotatable cylindrical receptacle with a transparent plate, and controlled heating and rotational mechanisms, allowing for precise measurement of the dynamic angle of repose at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods (tilting box, fixed funnel, revolving cylinder) are used for high temperature granular materials, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient because these methods cannot accurately determine dynamic angle of repose at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a heating chamber for temperature control, a transparent rotating cylinder for material containment, and an optical detection system for angle measurement. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to achieve high-temperature dynamic angle of repose measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent plate is introduced as an intermediary between the high-temperature granular material and the optical detection system. This intermediary allows optical access to the material while maintaining the high-temperature environment, enabling accurate angle measurement without direct contact between the detection system and the hot material.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a high temperature environment is created for measurement, then the measurement applicability to CSP systems is improved, but the device complexity increases due to heating mechanisms and temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The heating chamber and temperature control system are designed to be universal, capable of maintaining various high-temperature conditions required for different CSP system applications. The same apparatus can measure dynamic angle of repose for different granular materials at different temperatures, making the system versatile for various industrial processes beyond just CSP systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-regulating temperature control where the heating elements and sensors work together to automatically maintain the desired temperature without continuous external intervention. The transparent chamber allows visual monitoring of the material behavior at high temperatures, providing self-verification of the measurement conditions.
3Measurement precision
If a transparent viewing system is implemented to observe high temperature materials, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to optical components and chamber design
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system captures images of the granular material at high temperatures and creates a visual copy that can be analyzed to determine the dynamic angle of repose. This copying approach allows precise measurement without requiring direct physical contact with the hot material, and the images can be processed and analyzed separately from the high-temperature environment.
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 accurate determination of the dynamic angle of repose at high temperatures, enhancing the design and efficiency of CSP systems and other industrial processes by ensuring proper particle flow, preventing issues like clogging and segregation, and improving overall operational performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow chamber 12 having at least one sidewall 13 with an optically transparent window 14 mounted therein
Implementation Method 2
The temperature within the hollow chamber 12 may be selectively adjusted by one or more heating elements 56 mounted therein
Implementation Method 3
The cylindrical receptacle 24 is controllably rotated within the hollow chamber 12 by a motor 16 or the like
Implementation Method 4
A camera 20 is mounted external to the hollow chamber 12 for detecting the angle of repose of the granular material
Data Source
AI summary
The system for measuring the angle of repose of high temperature granular material includes a hollow chamber with an optically transparent window. A cylindrical receptacle is rotatably mounted within the hollow chamber, with an open end thereof releasably covered by an optically transparent plate. The cylindrical receptacle is oriented with respect to the hollow chamber such that the optically transparent plate faces, and is aligned with, the optically transparent window. The cylindrical receptacle is controllably rotated within the hollow chamber. The temperature within the hollow chamber may be selectively adjusted by one or more heating elements mounted therein. A camera detects the angle of repose of granular material in the cylindrical receptacle when the cylindrical receptacle is rotated within the hollow chamber. The camera is positioned such that the granular material may be viewed thereby through the optically transparent plate and the optically transparent window.