Particle Size Distribution Measurement Device Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional particle size distribution measurement devices face challenges in ensuring measurement reproducibility and accuracy due to user-dependent bubble removal, particularly when bubbles are small or difficult to distinguish from particles, leading to potential measurement errors and increased time and effort in the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A particle size distribution measurement device equipped with an imaging device to capture particle images, a bubble distinction part to differentiate between bubbles and particles based on image analysis, and a bubble removal execution part that automatically executes a bubble removal sequence when predetermined conditions are met, including adjusting the bubble removal sequence based on bubble information and medium viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user manually checks particle size distribution on real-time monitor to detect bubbles, then measurement process can be performed, but measurement reproducibility and accuracy are lowered due to user skill level dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting bubbles through image processing of the circulation flow channel, eliminating the need for user judgment. The bubble detection unit captures images and the control unit automatically determines bubble presence based on image analysis, making the system self-sufficient in bubble detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection method is replaced with an automated optical detection system. The bubble detection unit with imaging device and automatic image processing substitutes the mechanical/manual process of user observation and judgment, providing objective and consistent bubble detection.
2Device complexity
If simple real-time monitor is used for bubble detection, then device complexity is reduced, but small bubbles or bubbles similar in size to particles cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
An imaging device is introduced as an intermediary between the circulation flow channel and the control unit. This imaging device captures detailed images of the flow channel contents, serving as a mediator that provides rich visual information for reliable bubble detection while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection approach transitions from one-dimensional particle size distribution data on a monitor to two-dimensional image data. By capturing images of the circulation flow channel, the system adds a spatial dimension to bubble detection, enabling reliable identification of bubbles based on their visual characteristics rather than relying solely on particle size distribution patterns.
3Measurement precision
If automatic bubble removal sequence is implemented, then measurement accuracy and reproducibility are improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble detection and bubble removal functions are merged into a single integrated system. The control unit both detects bubbles through image processing and automatically executes the removal sequence, combining multiple functions into one control mechanism and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the bubble detection unit continuously monitors the circulation flow channel, and the control unit automatically responds by executing removal sequences when bubbles are detected. This closed-loop feedback system maintains measurement accuracy without requiring complex manual intervention protocols.
4Loss of time
If manual bubble removal is performed based on user judgment, then operation time is reduced, but measurement accuracy cannot be assured due to subjective determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary bubble detection and removal before measurement begins. The control unit continuously monitors for bubbles and executes removal sequences in advance, ensuring the circulation flow channel is bubble-free before particle size distribution measurement starts, thereby guaranteeing measurement accuracy without extending the actual measurement time.
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
This configuration ensures reliable and automatic bubble removal, enhancing measurement reproducibility and accuracy by distinguishing even small bubbles and optimizing the bubble removal process, thereby reducing the time and effort required for the entire measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
a particle size distribution measurement device that irradiates light on particles as being a measuring object that is dispersed in a dispersion medium, and calculates particle size distribution of the particles based on a light intensity signal indicating light intensity of diffracted/scattered light
Implementation Method 2
a bubble removal sequence that executes a bubble removal sequence to remove the bubble from the dispersion medium circulating in the circulation flow channel
Data Source
AI summary
In order to secure measurement reproducibility and a measurement accuracy by making it possible to automatically execute a bubble removal sequence as needed, the particle size distribution measurement device comprises a circulation flow channel through which the dispersion medium circulates, a flow cell arranged in the circulation flow channel, an imaging device that takes a particle image as being an image of a particle in the flow cell, and a bubble removal execution part that obtains bubble information which is obtained based on the particle image and which is about a bubble in the dispersion medium and that executes a bubble removal sequence to remove the bubble from the dispersion medium circulating in the circulation flow channel in case that the bubble information meets a predetermined condition.