Optical Window Stabilization for High-Pressure Flow Cells

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for monitoring debris in high-pressure flowing fluids, such as hydraulic fluids or lubricants, face challenges in maintaining effective optical viewing and particle detection due to the high pressure and flow rates, which can lead to fluid leakage and optical window distortion.

Innovation Solution

A high-pressure fluid flow optical viewing cell system comprising two housing members with a spacer and optical windows, where the spacer forms a flow cavity and o-ring gaskets create a seal, allowing coherent laser light to pass through the fluid for imaging, while the housing design minimizes distortion and maintains the optical window's axial position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If high pressure is applied to the fluid flow system, then the fluid flow rate and pressure monitoring capability is improved, but optical window distortion and fluid leakage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pressureVSAvoidoptical window stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical window assembly is segmented into multiple components: the optical window itself, a separate sealing mechanism with gaskets, and a mounting structure. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be independently optimized and maintained under high pressure conditions without affecting the optical properties of the window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing gasket acts as an intermediary element between the optical window and the housing members. This gasket absorbs and accommodates pressure-induced dimensional changes, preventing direct transmission of stress to the optical window that would cause distortion or leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stress or pressure

If high pressure is applied to the fluid flow system, then the fluid flow rate and pressure monitoring capability is improved, but fluid leakage occurs through the cell

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pressureVSAvoidfluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing gasket acts as an intermediary element between the optical window and the housing members. This gasket absorbs and accommodates pressure-induced dimensional changes, preventing direct transmission of stress to the optical window that would cause distortion or leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing gasket is made from a flexible material that can deform elastically under high pressure conditions. This flexibility allows the gasket to maintain sealing contact between mating surfaces despite pressure-induced movements, preventing fluid leakage while accommodating dimensional changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If the optical window is positioned close to the flow cavity for better imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but optical distortion from pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle detection accuracyVSAvoidoptical window flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing gasket acts as an intermediary element between the optical window and the housing members. This gasket absorbs and accommodates pressure-induced dimensional changes, preventing direct transmission of stress to the optical window that would cause distortion or leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure uses counteracting forces through precision adjustment mechanisms to balance pressure-induced deformation of the optical window. By applying equal and opposite forces, the window maintains its flatness and optical alignment even when positioned close to the flow cavity for high-precision imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 real-time, effective monitoring of particles in high-pressure fluids by preventing fluid leakage and maintaining optical clarity, allowing for accurate determination of particle size, type, and number, even at pressures exceeding 100 psi.

Implementation Method 1

directing light through the optical window into the high pressure fluid in the flow cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

o-ring gaskets create a seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic sealing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9541492B2Method and apparatus for stabilizing the thickness of an optical channel for extended pressure environments

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

A high pressure optical flow cell system suitable for use in a real time optical particle monitoring system. The system is modular, with at least two housings joined together with removable mechanical attachment devices. Inlet and outlet passageways introduce and remove high pressure fluid into a flow cavity located between adjacent housing faces. An o-ring or other compliant member seal is provided between the faces to prevent leaks of the high pressure fluid. At least one optical window is provided with a substantially planar face flush with the flow cavity surface. An optical assembly maintains the face of the optical window flush with the flow cavity surface over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. A system and method for maintaining the face of the optical window flush with the flow cavity surface over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.