Multi-fibre optical probe for high concentration medium analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical probes are ineffective for in-line spectroscopic analysis of highly concentrated mediums, such as masterbatch, due to high optical density causing saturation and total attenuation of light, making it difficult to measure properties like particle size distribution, which is crucial for ensuring product quality and performance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fibre optical probe with closely arranged illumination and detection fibres forming micrometre-scale light paths, allowing for increased light intensity and reliable spectroscopic analysis of high concentration mediums by preventing significant attenuation of scattered light, enabling the determination of parameters like particle size distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard light path length probes (1mm to 300mm) are used for in-line analysis, then the probe can measure dissolved molecules effectively, but the measurement fails for highly concentrated mediums due to saturation and total attenuation of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of light path length from millimetre-scale (standard probes) to micrometre-scale (invention). By reducing the light path length to 1-100 micrometres, the probe enables transmission spectroscopy measurements in highly concentrated mediums where standard probes fail due to total light attenuation. This parameter change allows light to penetrate through the concentrated medium without complete absorption or scattering.
2Measurement precision
If ATR probes with light path length of 0.5 to 2 microns are used, then surface probing of dissolved molecules is achieved, but the probe cannot analyse particulate dispersions where particle size is larger than the wavelength of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible probe design that can dynamically adapt to different measurement modes. The probe can be positioned to perform either transmission spectroscopy (for particulate dispersions) or function as an ATR probe (for dissolved molecules). This dynamic positioning capability allows the same probe structure to serve multiple analytical purposes, overcoming the limitation of fixed-function probes.
3Measurement precision
If illumination source and detector are positioned far apart to measure light transmittance, then dissolved molecules can be analysed, but highly concentrated mediums cause total attenuation preventing meaningful measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial parameter of probe positioning by bringing the illumination source and detector into close proximity (1-100 micrometres apart) rather than positioning them far apart. This allows transmission spectroscopy to work in highly concentrated mediums by ensuring the light path through the medium is short enough to avoid total attenuation, while still being long enough to provide meaningful spectral data.
4Measurement precision
If on-line optical measurements are made by extraction and dilution of samples, then analysis of highly concentrated mediums becomes possible, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of sample dilution by implementing a micrometre-scale light path directly in the process line. Instead of extracting samples for offline dilution and analysis, the probe creates a virtual dilution effect by limiting the light path length to 1-100 micrometres within the concentrated medium itself, enabling direct in-line measurement without sample removal or physical dilution.
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 accurate in-line monitoring of particle size distribution and other properties in high concentration mediums, improving product quality and process optimization by providing reliable spectral data for informed decision-making during production.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-fibre optical probe for in-line spectroscopic monitoring of high concentration mediums comprises at least one light detection fibre wherein each light detection fibre is for receiving light at a light receiving end, and at least two illumination fibres for emitting light from a light emitting end
Implementation Method 2
obtain a spectrum of the light scattered by a high concentration medium
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fibre optical probe for spectroscopically analysing high concentration mediums (i.e. about 40 wt % or higher solid particulates), an extruder comprising a multi-fibre optical probe, use of said multi-fibre optical probe are provided. Methods of generating a predictive model, determining the value of a parameter of a solid particulate dispersion and manufacturing a solid particulate dispersion are also provided.