Slurry Analysis System Using Flow Restriction for High Concentration Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current optics-based particle detection techniques for slurries are ineffective at high particle concentrations, requiring dilution that alters the slurry's properties and is costly, leading to flawed quality management and increased manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A slurry analysis system using a flow restriction assembly with a sensor and control system that estimates characteristics like particle count, size, and agglomeration without dilution, employing a flow restriction methodology to determine viscosity and clogging behavior, allowing for accurate monitoring at ready-to-use conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optics-based particle detection techniques are used to analyze slurry, then particle detection capability is improved, but the slurry must be diluted which alters its properties and increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle detection capabilityVSAvoidslurry composition integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flow restriction assembly as an intermediary device that enables optical detection without dilution. The assembly creates controlled flow conditions and particle distribution that allow light to probe the slurry effectively while maintaining the slurry's original composition and concentration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow parameters of the slurry by using a flow restriction assembly, which modifies velocity and pressure characteristics to enable optical detection. This allows the slurry to be analyzed in its concentrated state by optimizing flow conditions rather than altering composition through dilution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If slurry is diluted for optical analysis, then light can probe the slurry, but the key properties of the slurry are altered before measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight penetration capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flow restriction assembly performs preliminary action by pre-conditioning the slurry flow before it enters the detection zone. The assembly creates optimal flow patterns and particle distribution upstream, enabling light penetration without requiring dilution, thus preserving measurement integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If dilution is used to enable optical detection, then particle detection becomes possible, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle detection feasibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flow restriction assembly uses inexpensive, simple components such as capillary tubes or porous materials that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This eliminates the need for expensive dilution equipment and consumables, reducing overall manufacturing cost while enabling particle detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Measurement precision

If optics-based particle detection techniques are used, then particle analysis capability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow restriction assembly serves multiple functions: it conditions the flow, distributes particles, enables light penetration, and maintains slurry concentration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional expensive equipment, making the overall system more cost-effective while maintaining particle analysis capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accurate and cost-effective monitoring of slurry properties at high particle concentrations, improving quality control and manufacturing efficiency without altering the slurry's integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a flow restriction assembly that restricts fluid flow of the slurry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restriction:

Implementation Method 2

The sensor assembly can include a pressure sensor that measures a pressure differential across the flow restriction assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS11753914B2Slurry analysis system using flow restriction

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 NIKON CORP

AI summary

A slurry analysis system (14) for estimating a first characteristic of a slurry (12) having a plurality of particles (18) suspended in a dispersion medium (20) can include a flow restriction assembly (40); a sensor assembly (43) that senses a sensed condition of the slurry (12) as it flows through the flow restriction assembly (40); and a control and analysis system (26) that estimates the first characteristic of the slurry (12) based on the sensed condition. Further, the control and analysis system (26) can select a selected clogging behavior using the sensed condition, and estimate the first characteristic based on the selected clogging behavior.