Magnetic-Field Measuring Assembly for Interfacial Tension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining interfacial tension between two liquids are complex and prone to measurement errors due to the influence of third phases, temperature changes, vibrations, and air movement.

Innovation Solution

A measuring assembly and method utilizing an inhomogeneous magnetic field to deform a drop of a sample liquid within a paramagnetic carrier liquid, allowing for optical detection of the drop's contour to calculate interfacial tension without direct contact with a solid phase, using the Young-Laplace equation and magnetic field parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional optical tensiometry methods (contact angle, captive bubble, pendant drop, sessile drop, spinning drop) are used to measure interfacial tension, then measurements can be performed, but the measurements are prone to errors due to influence of third phases, temperature changes, vibrations, and air movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterfacial tension measurement accuracyVSAvoidinfluence of third phases and environmental factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force to deform the liquid drop, replacing the need for solid surfaces and eliminating third-phase influences. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that allows optical detection of drop shape changes without direct contact with solid phases, thereby removing the harmful influence of third phases on the measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based measurement systems (solid surfaces, capillaries) with a magnetic field-based optical detection system. By using magnetic field-induced deformation and optical detection, the system eliminates mechanical contacts that would introduce third phases and environmental sensitivities, achieving more precise measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If direct contact with solid phase is used in conventional methods, then the measurement setup is simple, but measurement errors are introduced due to third phases and environmental influences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement setup simplicityVSAvoidinterfacial tension measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that enables measurement without direct solid-liquid contact. This allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while eliminating the measurement errors caused by third phases and environmental factors that arise from solid phase contacts in conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement setups with a magnetic field-based optical detection system. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving measurement precision by eliminating the harmful influences of third phases and environmental factors associated with mechanical contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides accurate and error-free determination of interfacial tension by eliminating the influence of third phases and environmental factors, ensuring precise measurement of interfacial tension between immiscible liquids.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field source (40) configured to generate an inhomogeneous magnetic field with a vertical magnetic field gradient in the chamber (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a measuring device (50) configured to detect at least one section of a contour of a drop of the sample liquid... The radiation sensor (52) detects the part of the measuring radiation passing through the vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

The sample liquid (36) is paramagnetic to a lesser degree than the carrier liquid (31)... The sample liquid (36) and the carrier liquid (31) are immiscible with one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic susceptibility difference: Magnetism

Implementation Method 4

The interfacial tension between the sample liquid (36) and the carrier liquid (31) can be inferred from the contour, the local magnetic field strength and the material properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectYoung-Laplace equation: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20250327731A1Measuring assemblies and method for determining interfacial tension

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 HELMHOLTZ ZENTRUM DRESDEN ROSSENDORF

AI summary

A measuring assembly for determining interfacial tension includes a vessel with a chamber for receiving a carrier liquid. A sample liquid is supplied to the chamber drop by drop via a supply device. A magnetic field source generates an inhomogeneous magnetic field with a vertical magnetic field gradient in the chamber. A measuring device detects at least one section of a contour of a drop of the sample liquid formed in the chamber during operation of the measuring assembly.