Portable Sedimentation Measurement Device Using Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining sedimentation rates in mineral extraction processes rely on human judgment, which can be inaccurate due to cloudiness or blurred boundaries, leading to inefficiencies in flocculent usage and increased costs, as well as potential operational issues like thickened sediment and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held portable sedimentation measurement device with high-intensity IR light sources and sensors, controlled by a controller that transmits data to an external device, allowing for precise measurement of sedimentation rates and agitation levels, reducing human error and optimizing flocculent usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human operators take measurements by observing the sample in the settling cylinder, then the measurement process is simple and low-cost, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to cloudiness or blurred boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system with an optical detection system. Light sources illuminate the settling sample and light detectors measure light transmission through the sample, automatically determining sedimentation rate without human visual judgment. This substitution of mechanical observation with optical measurement resolves the contradiction by providing precise measurements while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary to measure sedimentation. Light sources and light detectors use light transmission through the sample as a mediator to indirectly measure the sedimentation rate, avoiding the need for direct visual observation of blurred boundaries while maintaining measurement simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If automated light-based measurement system is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to be self-operating once set up. The controller automatically controls light sources, reads detector signals, and calculates sedimentation rate without requiring operator intervention during measurement. The device performs self-calibration and self-measurement, improving ease of operation while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects changes in light transmission properties as sediment settles, effectively using optical property changes as a proxy for sedimentation measurement. This approach maintains operational simplicity by detecting natural optical changes in the sample without requiring complex sample preparation or manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If high-intensity light sources are used to penetrate cloudy samples, then measurement precision improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources operate periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when measurements are needed. The controller pulses the light sources at appropriate intervals during the sedimentation process, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient light intensity for accurate measurements during active detection periods.
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
The device provides accurate and reliable sedimentation rate measurements, optimizing flocculent usage, reducing waste and operational costs, and ensuring consistent tailings output, thereby avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources disposed along the fluid container and generally in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis to direct light through the container wall into the chamber; a plurality of light sensors disposed along the fluid container and arranged to detect light passing through the chamber from at least one of the light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments relate to a hand-held portable sedimentation measurement device, comprising: a closeable fluid container having a container wall and defining a chamber to receive fluid for sedimentation measurement and defining a central longitudinal axis; multiple light sources disposed along the container and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis to direct light through the wall into the chamber; multiple light sensors disposed along the container arranged to detect light passing through the chamber from at least one of the light sources; a controller configured to control emission of light from the sources and to receive detection signals from the light sensors, wherein sedimentation measurements are derived from the light emitted from the light sources and the detection signals; a communication interface coupled to the controller and arranged to transmit sedimentation data to an external computing device; and a housing connected to the container and housing the controller and interface.