Density-Based Sludge Moisture Measurement with Compaction Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring sludge moisture content, such as weighing, microwave, and near-infrared, are time-consuming, costly, or have limited accuracy and range, necessitating a more efficient and precise method.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a compacting mechanism to remove air bubbles, a measuring mechanism to determine volume and mass, and an information processing unit to calculate moisture content based on density, employing a formula that considers sludge shrinkage characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe-based measurement method is used, then the measurement can be performed, but the measurement range is narrow and accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional probe-based mechanical measurement system with a non-contact optical measurement system using laser triangulation. The laser projector projects structured light onto the sludge surface, and the camera captures the reflected light patterns to calculate moisture content based on surface reflection characteristics, eliminating the need for physical contact and expanding measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces structured light patterns as an intermediary between the measurement system and the sludge surface. By projecting specific light patterns and analyzing their reflection, the system indirectly measures moisture content through optical properties rather than direct probe contact, thereby improving both accuracy and measurement range.
2Measurement precision
If weighing, microwave, or near-infrared methods are used, then moisture content can be detected, but the equipment costs are high and the processes are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercially available, low-cost components such as standard laser projectors and digital cameras that can be obtained from consumer electronics markets. These components replace expensive specialized measurement equipment, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining measurement functionality through innovative optical measurement algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex microwave and near-infrared detection systems with a simple optical measurement system based on laser triangulation. This replacement dramatically simplifies the device structure, reduces equipment complexity, and lowers costs while achieving comparable or superior measurement accuracy through clever use of optical geometry.
3Measurement precision
If the weighing method is used, then moisture content can be measured, but it takes a long time to dry the sludge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming thermal drying and weighing process with an instant optical measurement system. The laser triangulation method calculates moisture content based on light reflection properties of the sludge surface, providing immediate results without requiring any sample preparation, drying, or waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs measurement on the sludge in its natural state without any preliminary drying or preparation steps. The optical measurement system is designed to extract moisture information directly from the fresh sludge surface reflectivity, eliminating the need for time-consuming pre-processing operations required by traditional methods.
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
Ensures accurate and timely measurement of sludge moisture content by stabilizing the sludge during compaction and flattening, improving data accuracy and processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A compacting mechanism is used to compact the sludge in a feeding unit to expel air bubbles and flatten the surface of the sludge
Implementation Method 2
A measuring mechanism is used to measure the volume and mass of the compacted sludge sample
Implementation Method 3
The information processing unit calculates the sludge moisture content according to a preset calculation formula
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting sludge moisture content based on density includes a detection chamber that is provided with a feeding mechanism, a compacting mechanism, a measuring mechanism, and an information processing unit. The feeding mechanism is provided on one side of the compacting mechanism, the measuring mechanism is provided on another side of the compacting mechanism, and the measuring mechanism is connected to the information processing unit. The feeding mechanism comprises a feeding base which is provided with a limited sliding block; and the limited sliding block is connected to a feeding sliding rail. The compacting mechanism comprises a feeding base, a rotating cam is provided at a lower end of the feeding base, and a hydraulic equipment is provided at an upper end of the feeding base. The measuring mechanism comprises a weighing base, and a height detecting base is provided at an upper end of the weighing base.