Measuring Cell Non-Stick Coating for Deposit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure measuring cells face significant measurement errors due to the formation of calcareous deposits and sludge on the measuring membrane, which require frequent maintenance and risk damage during removal.
Innovation Solution
A measuring cell with a non-stick silicon carbide coating on the membrane surface, side surface, and circumferential joint, preventing deposit accumulation and facilitating easy removal, while providing corrosion protection and maintaining abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measuring membrane with metallic or ceramic surface is used, then measurement precision is achieved, but deposits form on the surface requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
A non-stick coating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the measuring membrane surface and the measuring environment. This coating prevents direct contact between deposits and the membrane surface, eliminating adhesion while preserving the membrane's measurement functionality. The coating acts as a mediator that allows the system to maintain measurement precision without suffering from deposit accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the measuring membrane are changed by applying a coating with different surface characteristics. The coating has low surface energy and non-stick properties, fundamentally changing the surface parameters from high-adhesion metallic/ceramic surfaces to low-adhesion coated surfaces, thereby preventing deposit formation.
2Measurement precision
If frequent maintenance is performed to remove deposits, then measurement quality is maintained, but the measuring membrane may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The non-stick coating serves as a protective intermediary layer between the measuring membrane and deposits. Since deposits cannot adhere to the coating surface, they can be easily removed without applying force to the membrane itself, eliminating the risk of membrane damage during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-stick coating provides beforehand protection by preventing deposit adhesion in the first place. This prior protective measure eliminates the need for aggressive cleaning operations that could damage the membrane, cushioning the system against potential harm before it can occur.
3Reliability
If the measuring membrane is coated with protective layer, then corrosion protection is achieved, but deposit adhesion may still occur on certain surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The solution combines multiple material properties in a composite structure: the underlying metallic or ceramic membrane provides mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, while the outer non-stick coating layer provides deposit-release properties. This composite approach integrates the beneficial properties of different materials to simultaneously achieve corrosion protection and prevent deposit adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-stick coating is applied specifically to the measuring section of the membrane surface where deposit accumulation occurs, rather than coating the entire membrane. This localized application provides the necessary anti-adhesion properties in the critical measurement area while preserving the original membrane properties in other regions.
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
Significantly reduces deposit formation and eases their removal, allowing for longer maintenance intervals with reduced risk of membrane damage and ensuring consistent measurement quality.
Implementation Method 1
Silicon carbide has a contact angle of approx. 95° to water, which corresponds to a surface tension of approx. 25 mN/m
Implementation Method 2
By arranging the non-stick coating both on the surface of the measuring membrane and on its side surface as well as the joint, it is achieved on the one hand that the measuring cell according to the invention can be in contact with the measuring environment to a large extent and on the other hand an effective corrosion protection for the circumferential joint is achieved
Implementation Method 3
Capacitive pressure measuring cells are often used for this purpose, in which electrodes are arranged opposite one another on the inside of the measuring membrane on the one hand and on a base body on the other hand and form a measuring capacitance. The distance between these electrodes changes as a result of the forces acting on the measuring membrane, as a result of which a change in pressure can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
Measuring cell (1) with a measuring cell body (3) and a measuring membrane (5) arranged on the measuring cell body (3), wherein the measuring membrane (5), when the measuring cell (1) is used as intended, is in direct contact with a measuring environment at least in one measuring section of a surface (9) of the membrane (5) facing the measuring environment, wherein at least on the measuring section a non-stick coating (7) is arranged.