Mixture State Determination Using Impedance Equivalent Circuits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the state of mixtures with insoluble solid matters in liquid, such as sedimentation tests, are time-consuming and require complex manual observations, making it difficult to easily derive an index for specifying the state of the mixture.
Innovation Solution
A state determination apparatus and method that applies an AC signal to the mixture, measures impedance at various frequencies, sets an equivalent circuit with parallel circuits representing solid matter electrical components, and calculates parameters to derive an index for specifying the mixture's state using equivalent circuit analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sedimentation test is used to determine particle diameter distribution, then the measurement can be performed using natural gravity or centrifugal force, but it takes a long time for sedimentation to stabilize and requires complex manual observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sedimentation process with electrical impedance measurement. Instead of allowing particles to settle under gravity or centrifugal force and manually observing the process, the invention applies AC signals at multiple frequencies to measure impedance, which directly reflects particle distribution in the liquid. This substitution of mechanical sedimentation with electrical measurement eliminates the time-consuming stabilization period and manual observation requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy for particle diameter distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from physical observation of sedimentation height to electrical impedance measurement. By measuring impedance at multiple frequencies and analyzing the frequency characteristics, the system can derive particle diameter distribution without waiting for sedimentation to stabilize. The parameter change from mechanical position measurement to electrical property measurement enables rapid state determination.
2Measurement precision
If a sedimentation test is used to determine particle diameter distribution, then the measurement can be performed using natural gravity or centrifugal force, but it requires complex manual observation by measurers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation with automated electrical impedance measurement. The system applies AC signals through electrodes and automatically measures impedance across multiple frequencies, eliminating the need for measurers to visually track sedimentation boundaries. The computer automatically analyzes the impedance data to determine particle distribution, making the operation simple and repeatable without requiring trained observers.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-analysis through automated impedance measurement and computer-based data processing. The system automatically derives particle diameter distribution from impedance frequency characteristics without requiring manual intervention for observation or calculation. This self-service capability eliminates complex manual operations while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If impedance measurement with equivalent circuit analysis is used, then the index for specifying mixture state can be derived easily, but the system requires application of AC signal and mathematical modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an equivalent circuit model as an intermediary between impedance measurement and particle state determination. The system measures impedance at multiple frequencies, fits the data to an equivalent circuit model with parallel RC elements, and derives particle distribution from the circuit parameters. This intermediary modeling approach simplifies the derivation process by providing a mathematical framework that directly relates measurable impedance to particle characteristics, making the operation easy despite the underlying system complexity.
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 an index for specifying the state of the mixture, reducing time and complexity by using impedance measurement and equivalent circuit analysis to determine physical and electric characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
measurement means 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
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A state determination apparatus includes: electrodes configured to apply AC signal to a mixture; measurement means 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; setting means 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; calculating means 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 derivation means configured to derive an index for specifying a state of the mixture based on the parameter of the parallel circuit.