Rheometer Buoyancy Measurement for In-Situ Liquid Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rheometers cannot determine the density of a flowable or liquid specimen directly during rheological property measurements, requiring specimen removal for external density measurements, which is disadvantageous, especially at high temperatures where chemical reactivity and thermal changes complicate measurement interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A method and rheometer design that measures the normal force between a first and second measurement component, using Archimedes' principle to calculate the specimen's density without removing it from the rheometer, allowing continuous density measurement by immersing a component of known volume into the specimen, and accounting for thermal expansion and equipment-specific effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If density measurement is performed using external density-measurement equipment, then density measurement capability is achieved, but the measurement process requires specimen removal and introduction into separate equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the density measurement function with the rheometer by integrating a measurement body that can be immersed in the specimen within the rheometer chamber. This merging eliminates the need for separate external density measurement equipment and specimen transfer operations, allowing both rheological and density measurements to be performed in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rheometer is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a measurement body with known volume that can determine density in addition to measuring rheological properties. This universal design allows the same equipment to perform multiple measurement functions (rheological characterization and density determination) without requiring separate specialized instruments.
2Measurement precision
If specimen removal is performed for density measurement, then density data can be obtained, but measurement continuity is interrupted and experimental time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement by allowing the measurement body to be immersed in and measure the specimen while it remains in the rheometer during the rheological measurement process. This eliminates interruptions and maintains continuous experimental action, as both rheological and density measurements can be performed on the same specimen without removal or transfer operations.
3Temperature
If high-temperature rheological measurements are performed, then temperature-dependent rheological properties can be determined, but density changes due to thermal expansion and chemical reactions complicate measurement interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by simultaneously measuring both rheological properties and density at the same temperature conditions. The density measurement serves as a reference parameter that provides feedback on thermal expansion and chemical reaction effects, allowing researchers to distinguish between rheological changes and density-related changes, thereby improving the accuracy of measurement interpretation.
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 precise, in-situ density measurement of flowable specimens during rheological tests at various temperatures, distinguishing between rheological and thermal changes, and providing immediate, accurate density data without disrupting the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the normal force between the two measurement components after the immersion of the second measurement component into the specimen, where the measured normal force corresponds to the buoyancy force that acts between the specimen and second measurement component
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the density of an at least flowable, in particular liquid, specimen with a rheometer, in particular a rotational rheometer, includes providing the rheometer with a first measurement component for receiving the at least flowable, in particular liquid, specimen, and a second measurement component with a known volume to be immersed into the specimen. The first and second measurement components are movable relative to one another. The perpendicular force between the two measurement components is measured after the immersion of the second measurement component into the specimen. The measured perpendicular force corresponds to the buoyancy force acting between the specimen and the second measurement component. The density of the specimen is calculated based on Archimedes' principle by reference to the known volume of the second measurement component and the measured perpendicular force. A rheometer for carrying out the method is also provided.