Optical Fluidic Rheometer for Hazardous Locations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rheometers face challenges in hazardous locations due to restrictions on electrical connections, which hinder the acquisition of rheological information from fluids in environments classified as hazardous, such as those with ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rheometers that utilize optical signals and air pressure to communicate and drive mechanical components, eliminating the need for electrical connections, allowing for rheological measurements in hazardous locations through fiber optics and pressurized fluid systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connections are used in rheometers, then reliable signal transmission and power supply are achieved, but safety risks increase in hazardous locations with flammable gases or vapors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical connections with optical fiber connections for signal transmission. Optical fibers transmit data as light signals through glass or plastic fibers, eliminating the need for electrical conductors in hazardous locations. This substitution maintains reliable communication while removing the ignition risk associated with electrical equipment in environments with flammable gases or vapors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic actuators driven by compressed air to replace electric motors for controlling valve operations. The compressed air is supplied through pneumatic lines from a safe location, enabling mechanical actuation of valves without electrical components in the hazardous area. This approach maintains reliable valve control while eliminating electrical ignition sources.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical connections are eliminated from rheometers, then safety in hazardous locations is improved, but device complexity increases due to optical and pneumatic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts electrical components from the rheometer unit in hazardous locations and relocates them to safe areas. Electrical power supplies, signal processing electronics, and control systems are positioned outside the hazardous zone, connected only through intrinsically safe optical and pneumatic interfaces. This extraction simplifies the in-situ device while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal optical fiber interfaces and standardized pneumatic connectors that can be integrated with various rheometer configurations. These multi-functional interfaces handle both signal transmission and power delivery (in the case of pneumatic actuators), reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical signals and air pressure are used instead of electrical connections, then safety in hazardous locations is ensured, but ease of operation decreases due to specialized wiring and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical fibers and pneumatic lines as intermediary transmission media between safe and hazardous locations. These intermediaries carry signals and power without requiring direct electrical contact in the hazardous zone. The use of standard optical fiber technologies and common pneumatic components facilitates easier integration and maintenance compared to custom electrical solutions.
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 the collection of real-time rheological data from fluids in hazardous locations without the risks associated with electrical connections, ensuring safe and reliable operation by adhering to regulatory standards for hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor may be positioned to detect rotation of the cylinder and torque on the torsion bob
Implementation Method 2
A pressurized fluid may be supplied through a fluid motor to rotate the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the disclosed embodiments include a rheometer having a housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a cylinder with a cavity located to receive fluid that passes into the fluid inlet, a motor configured to rotate the cylinder, a torsion bob within the cavity, and a controller located remotely from the rheometer. The controller includes a pressure regulator configured to pressurize fluid to power the motor, a rotation sensor configured to receive an optical rotation signal indicating a rotation speed of the cylinder, and a torque sensor configured to receive an optical signal indicating a torque on the torsion bob. The controller may be configured to receive a rotation speed signal from the rotation sensor, a torque signal from the torque sensor, and to calculate a shear stress for the fluid based on the rotation speed signal and the torque signal.