Valveless Wet Dispersing Device for Laser Particle Sizing
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wet dispersing devices for laser particle size measuring devices face issues with durability, maintenance, wear, and particle agglomeration, particularly due to the use of 4/2-way valves and hose clamps, which can lead to leakage and premature aging, and lack easy access for inspection and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A wet dispersing device with a sample bath and return element that switch between circulation and drain/rinsing positions using a jet opening, eliminating the need for 4/2-way valves and hose clamps, featuring a centrifugal pump and ultrasonic vibrator to reduce agglomeration, and incorporating a pH probe for controlled dispersion conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If 4/2-way valves and hose clamps are used to control dispersion flow, then the dispersion can be directed to different circuits, but the valves and hoses suffer from particle-induced wear, grooves, leaks, and premature aging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic 4/2-way valve and hose clamp components from the system. Instead of using these mechanical flow control devices, the patent employs a valveless design where dispersion flow is directed through gravity-assisted overflow channels and pump-controlled circulation, removing the sources of particle-induced wear and leakage entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical valve and hose clamp system with a combination of gravity-driven flow channels and a centrifugal pump. The pump controls circulation mechanically, while flow direction is managed through strategically positioned overflow channels that eliminate the need for sealed mechanical valves in contact with dispersed particles
2Ease of operation
If valves with movable seals and clamped hoses are used in the dispersion path, then flow control is achieved, but particles create grooves in seals and cause hose leakage and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes movable seals and clamped hoses from the dispersion flow path. Flow control is achieved through a valveless pump system and gravity-driven overflow channels, eliminating the surfaces where particles could create grooves and cause wear
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different flow control mechanisms in different locations: the centrifugal pump handles circulation control at the source, while gravity-driven overflow channels manage flow distribution. This localized approach ensures no single component is subjected to particle wear throughout the entire flow path
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional valve systems are used to empty and rinse the dispersion circuit, then the circuit can be cleaned, but the valves and hoses require maintenance and replacement due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the maintenance-prone valve and hose components from the emptying and rinsing system. Instead, a valveless pump system with gravity-driven overflow channels enables circuit emptying and rinsing, eliminating the need for seal replacement and hose maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity-driven overflow channels and pump system enable self-service emptying and rinsing operations. The system uses its own pump and gravity flow to evacuate dispersion and rinse the circuit without requiring external valve actuation or hose manipulation, reducing maintenance needs
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
The solution enhances durability, reduces maintenance, prevents particle agglomeration, and allows for easier access and monitoring of the dispersion process, ensuring consistent particle size measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (68) for dispersing the dispersion (15), in particular a centrifugal pump
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a pH probe for controlled dispersion conditions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Wet dispersion device (1), in particular for laser particle size measuring devices, comprising: a sample bath (14) for a dispersion (15) with liquid dispersion medium, a feed (62) for introducing the dispersion (15) into a dispersion circuit (76), a return (63) for returning the dispersion (15) from the dispersion circuit (76) to the sample bath (14), a pump (68) for pumping the dispersion (15) through the dispersion circuit (76), an outlet (78) for removing the dispersion (15) from the dispersion circuit (76) in order to empty and/or rinse the dispersion circuit (76), a return element (42) with a beam aperture (82), wherein the return element (42) and the sample bath (14) define at least two positions relative to each other, namely i) a circuit position in which the dispersion (15) is fed into the dispersion circuit (76) is pumpable to circulate through the dispersion circuit (76), and ii) a drain and flush position,in which the dispersion (15) can be pumped into the outlet (78), wherein the return element (42) and the sample bath (14) are arranged to be movable relative to each other in order to switch back and forth between the circulation position and the outlet and rinsing position by means of a relative movement relative to each other.