Horizontal Liquid Viscosity Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viscosity measurement systems face challenges due to sensitivity to measuring equipment, geometry, and environmental conditions, particularly in harsh environments, and struggle with accurately measuring non-Newtonian fluids like blood and polymer solutions, which exhibit viscosity variations based on confinement and shear rate.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system that calculates viscosity using pressure drops across a capillary tube, with a horizontal arrangement of the reservoirs and capillary tube to minimize sedimentation and maximize pressure application, allowing for real-time, accurate viscosity measurements in a controlled atmosphere, suitable for small liquid samples and harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional viscosity measurement systems are used, then viscosity can be measured, but the measurement is sensitive to measuring equipment, geometry, and environmental conditions, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring system is divided into separate functional modules: a measuring unit with capillary tube and reservoirs for viscosity measurement, and a control unit for data processing. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a standardized capillary tube geometry with specific dimensions (inner diameter 0.5-2mm, length 10-100mm) and fixed reservoir dimensions to eliminate sensitivity to geometric variations. By establishing fixed parameter ranges, the measurement becomes reliable across different environmental conditions.
2Measurement precision
If complex measurement procedures are used, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically processes measurements and calculates viscosity values without requiring manual intervention or complex procedures. The control unit automatically processes the pressure differential measurements and computes viscosity, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement procedures with a simplified pressure differential measurement approach. Instead of using complex rheological instruments, the system measures only the pressure difference across the capillary tube, automatically calculating viscosity from this single parameter.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated instruments are used, then measurement capability is improved, but adaptability to harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple, robust components that can withstand harsh environments. The capillary tube and reservoirs are designed as durable, potentially disposable elements that do not require sophisticated protection or maintenance, enabling operation in remote or harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a controlled measurement environment using sealed reservoirs and capillary tubes that protect the liquid sample from external environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, and contamination, enabling accurate measurements in harsh conditions.
4Quantity of substance
If wall depleted layer effects are present, then apparent viscosity measurements are obtained, but measurement precision for bulk viscosity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from measuring apparent viscosity affected by wall effects to measuring bulk viscosity by using a capillary tube with optimized dimensions. By carefully selecting the ratio of capillary length to diameter and reservoir dimensions, the system eliminates wall depleted layer effects and measures the true bulk viscosity of the liquid.
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 system provides rapid, accurate, and reliable viscosity measurements, minimizing sedimentation and contamination, and accurately represents the fluid's behavior in microcirculation, even in harsh environments, with the ability to handle complex fluids and small sample sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a source of pressurized gas fluidly connected to the longitudinal storing reservoir to pressurize an inner chamber of the longitudinal storing reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The measurement device is configured to perform a measurement relative to the flow of the liquid inside an inner chamber of the longitudinal receiving reservoir when the pressurized gas is provided in the inner chamber of the longitudinal storing reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a capillary tube fluidly connecting the longitudinal storing reservoir and the longitudinal receiving reservoir... The measurement device is configured to perform a measurement relative to the flow of the liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
It is proposed a measurement system comprising a source of pressurized gas configured to deliver a gas at a predetermined pressure, a longitudinal storing reservoir configured to store a liquid, a longitudinal receiving reservoir, a capillary tube and a measurement device. The measurement device is configured to perform a measurement relative to the flow of the liquid inside an inner chamber of the longitudinal receiving reservoir when the pressurized gas is provided in the inner chamber of the longitudinal storing reservoir by the source of pressurized gas. The longitudinal storing reservoir, the capillary tube and the longitudinal receiving reservoir are configured so as to be positioned horizontally during the measurement relative to the flow of the liquid. The system provides an improved solution for performing a measurement on a liquid in an easy, accurate and efficient manner.