Rheometer Temperature Control with Switchable Peltier and Resistive Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature control mechanisms for rheometers and viscosimeters, particularly those using Peltier elements, are limited in reaching high temperatures and deteriorate when exposed to temperatures above 200°C, necessitating improved temperature control systems for accurate rheological property measurements across a broader range.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system comprising a heater sub-unit with an electrical resistor heating element and a Peltier element sub-unit, along with a displacement system to bring the Peltier element into and out of contact with the heater, allowing for fine-tuned temperature control from -40°C to 160°C and up to 400°C without damaging the Peltier element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a Peltier element is used for temperature control, then fine temperature control is achieved in the low temperature range (−40°C up to 160°C), but the system fails to reach temperatures over 200°C and the Peltier element deteriorates at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into two distinct sub-units: a Peltier element sub-unit for low temperature control (−40°C to 160°C) and a heater sub-unit with electrical resistor for high temperature control (above 160°C to 400°C). The displacement system selectively activates the appropriate sub-unit based on the desired temperature range, preventing Peltier element exposure to damaging high temperatures while maintaining fine control capability in the lower range.
2Temperature
If the Peltier element is used to reach high temperatures, then the temperature control range is extended, but the Peltier element deteriorates in performance
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement system acts as an intermediary mechanism that selectively engages or disengages the Peltier element from the heating/cooling pathway based on the target temperature. When high temperatures above 160°C are required, the displacement system positions the heater sub-unit into contact with the sample and moves the Peltier element away, preventing it from being exposed to temperatures that would cause performance deterioration.
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 temperature control across a wide range, preventing Peltier element deterioration at high temperatures and ensuring accurate rheological property measurements by using the electrical resistor heating element above 160°C and the Peltier element below 160°C.
Implementation Method 1
a Peltier element sub-unit comprising at least a Peltier element
Implementation Method 2
a heater sub-unit comprising at least an electrical resistor heating element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods and systems for temperature control, more specifically, a temperature control system for controlling sample temperature of a rheometer or viscosimeter. The temperature control system for a rheometer or a viscometer comprises a heater sub-unit comprising at least an electrical resistor heating element, a Peltier element sub-unit comprising at least a Peltier element; and a displacement system arranged to bring the Peltier element sub-unit into and out of contact with the heater sub-unit.