Impedance-Based Mixture State Determination for Particle Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sedimentation methods for determining particle diameter distribution in mixtures with insoluble solid matters are time-consuming and require complex observations, making it difficult to easily specify the state of the mixture.
Innovation Solution
A state determination apparatus that applies an AC signal to the mixture, measures impedance at various frequencies, and uses equivalent circuit analysis to derive indices for specifying the state of the mixture by approximating the impedance with a circuit including parallel elements corresponding to the solid matter's electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sedimentation method is used to determine particle diameter distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sedimentation process with an electromagnetic measurement system. Instead of allowing particles to physically settle over time, the system applies AC signals at different frequencies to the mixture and measures impedance changes, substituting a time-consuming mechanical separation process with a rapid electrical measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from physical observation of sedimentation height to electrical impedance measurement. By measuring impedance at multiple frequencies and analyzing the relationship between impedance and frequency, the system derives particle diameter distribution without requiring the mixture to reach sedimentation equilibrium.
2Measurement precision
If sedimentation method is used to determine particle diameter distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation with an automated electrical measurement system. The measurement unit automatically applies AC signals, measures impedance, and the derivation unit automatically processes the data to obtain particle diameter distribution, eliminating the need for measurers to manually observe and record sedimentation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement and self-analysis. The measurement unit and derivation unit work together to automatically obtain particle diameter distribution from impedance measurements without requiring external observation or manual intervention, making the operation simpler and more automated.
3Productivity
If equivalent circuit analysis with parallel circuits is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex physical mixture system into an equivalent electrical circuit model with parallel RC circuits. Each parallel circuit represents a particle size fraction, with resistance and capacitance values that correspond to physical properties. This parameter transformation allows rapid calculation of particle distribution from impedance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The equivalent circuit model serves as an intermediary between the physical mixture and the measurement system. Instead of directly analyzing the complex mixture behavior, the system uses the equivalent circuit as a mathematical model to relate impedance measurements to particle diameter distribution, simplifying the analysis process.
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 easy derivation of indices for specifying the state of the mixture, improving the efficiency and accuracy of determining the mixture's physical and electric characteristics, such as homogeneity and conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement unit configured to measure an impedance of the mixture for every frequency of the AC signal based on a response signal flowing through the mixture when the AC signal is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A state determination apparatus includes: electrodes configured to apply AC signal to a mixture; a measurement unit configured to measure an impedance of the mixture for every frequency of the AC signal based on a response signal flowing through the mixture when the AC signal is applied; a setting unit configured to set an equivalent circuit including one or a plurality of parallel circuit(s) based on element(s) corresponding to electrical component(s) of a solid matter; a calculating unit configured to calculate a parameter of the parallel circuit by executing an equivalent circuit analysis for approximating impedance of the equivalent circuit to the impedance of the mixture; and a derivation unit configured to derive an index for specifying a state of the mixture based on the parameter of the parallel circuit.