Suspension Solid Measurement with Gas Interference Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The measurement of solid matter in suspensions is inaccurately affected by the presence of air or gas, which interferes with electromagnetic radiation-based methods used in industries like paper and pulp, leading to inconsistent results in determining the consistency and quality of paper products.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that combine radio-frequency or optical electromagnetic radiation measurements with impedance tomography to determine the amount of solid matter in suspensions by accounting for the proportional dielectric constants of both the solid particles and the gas, using frequency scanning and signal processing techniques to calculate transit time, phase, and signal strength, while also measuring the volume of free gas through electrical conductivity and impedance distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If electromagnetic radiation measurement is used to determine solid matter in suspension, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to gas interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces impedance tomography as an intermediary measurement technique that specifically detects gas distribution in the suspension. By using this intermediary method to map gas locations and volumes, the system can then compensate for gas interference in the electromagnetic radiation measurements, thereby maintaining both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where impedance tomography continuously monitors gas distribution and provides correction data to the electromagnetic radiation measurement system. This feedback loop allows real-time compensation for gas interference, maintaining measurement precision without sacrificing the rapid measurement capability of electromagnetic radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If single measurement method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two measurement techniques - electromagnetic radiation measurement for solid matter detection and impedance tomography for gas detection - into a single integrated system. The measurement device includes both electromagnetic radiation sources/detectors and impedance electrodes, allowing simultaneous or coordinated operation to achieve precise solid matter measurement despite gas presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach allows for accurate measurement of solid matter in suspensions, improving the quality of paper products by correcting for the presence of gas, thereby enhancing the consistency and reliability of the measurement results.

Implementation Method 1

The consistency may be determined by means of the attenuation of the electromagnetic radiation, the radiation being in interaction with the suspension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAttenuation of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The consistency may also be measured, for instance, by means of the propagation time of radio-frequency radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPropagation time measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

the proportional volume of free gas contained in the suspension is determined on the basis of measurement of electrical conductivity and/or impedance distribution in the suspension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical impedance tomography: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP2646797B1Measurement of amount of solid in suspension
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 VALMET AUTOMATION OY
  • EP2646797B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2A
  • EP2646797B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3A
  • EP2646797B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3C

AI summary

A measuring part (150, 152, 250, 252, 350) measures the amount of matter dispersed in a suspension (106) on the basis of a measurement, in which electromagnetic radiation interacts with the suspension (106), and the proportional volume of a free gas (318) contained in the suspension (106) on the basis of a measurement of electrical conductivity and/or impedance distribution for determining the amount of dispersed solid matter in the suspension (106).