Electromagnetic Impedance Sensor for In-Process Fluid Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems fail to effectively characterize fluids in-process, particularly in industrial and dairy applications, lacking the ability to provide real-time physical property measurements during fluid processing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing non-parallel electromagnetic field lines generated by circular or cylindrical electrodes within a flow channel, capable of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals over a range of frequencies to correlate impedance or dielectric spectrographic features with specific physical characteristics of fluids, employing advanced algorithms like ANOVA and deep learning for accurate characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensor systems are used for fluid characterization, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement capability and real-time monitoring effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional single-frequency or limited-frequency impedance measurement to broadband electromagnetic impedance spectroscopy across multiple frequencies. This dimensional expansion in frequency space enables comprehensive fluid characterization by capturing frequency-dependent dielectric properties, thereby achieving superior measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the electromagnetic signal frequency parameter across a broad spectrum to probe different relaxation processes and electrical properties of the fluid. By measuring impedance at multiple frequencies and analyzing the spectral response, the system extracts multiple fluid parameters (conductivity, permittivity, relaxation times) simultaneously, achieving high measurement precision through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.
2Productivity
If electromagnetic impedance spectroscopy is applied for in-process fluid monitoring, then real-time physical property measurement is achieved, but the implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures impedance across a broad frequency range, characterizes multiple fluid properties simultaneously (conductivity, permittivity, viscosity), and provides real-time monitoring. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple electrode-based impedance spectroscopy platform that leverages the natural frequency-dependent response of fluids, thereby achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or optical fluid sampling and analysis systems with an electromagnetic field-based impedance spectroscopy method. This substitution eliminates the need for physical fluid extraction, mechanical sensors, or complex optical paths, enabling direct in-process monitoring through electrical measurements. The simplicity of the electromagnetic sensor design compared to mechanical alternatives achieves high productivity with reduced implementation complexity.
3Loss of information
If broadband electromagnetic signals are transmitted through the fluid, then comprehensive fluid characterization is achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits electromagnetic signals across a broad frequency range, but not all frequency components require equal energy or are equally necessary for all fluid types. The impedance spectroscopy method captures the essential fluid properties through the frequency-dependent impedance response, achieving comprehensive characterization with moderate energy input by strategically selecting the frequency spectrum rather than uniformly energizing all possible frequencies.
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 in-process characterization of fluids by generating a complex three-dimensional electromagnetic field, allowing for real-time measurement and correlation of physical properties, enhancing compliance with standards like ISO 22000:18 and improving food safety management systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a set of electromagnetic signals from the transmitting electrode, through the fluid under test, to the receiving electrode
Implementation Method 2
correlate impedance or dielectric spectrographic features with specific physical characteristics of fluids
Implementation Method 3
The conducting backer ground plates for the receiving electrodes may at least partially surround the electrode and extend in the plane of the receiving electrode to provide for a guard ring for the receiving electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include systems and approaches for measuring an electromagnetic impedance characteristic of a fluid under test (FUT) in a fluid channel. In some cases, a system includes: a transmitting electrode assembly including: a transmitting electrode having a transmitting surface; and a transmitting electrode backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the transmitting electrode; a receiving electrode assembly including: a receiving electrode having a receiving surface; and a receiving electrode backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the receiving electrode, where the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are located in a set of walls defining the fluid channel, the transmitting surface and the receiving surface each conform to a shape of the set of walls defining the fluid channel, where the fluid channel permits transverse flow of the FUT relative to both the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.