Vessel Wall Vibration Analysis for Material Property Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring physical properties of free-flowing materials in vessels, such as density and viscosity, require solving complex equations in real-time, which can be unstable and require sample preparation and calibration, limiting accuracy and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using vibration analysis on the outside wall of a vessel to measure physical properties without solving estimating variables-based equations in real-time, utilizing pre-established relationships between vibration spectrum properties and measured properties, allowing for quick and accurate measurements without calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex equations with estimating variables are solved in real-time to measure physical properties, then measurement capability is achieved, but computational stability deteriorates and measurement precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores lookup tables containing pre-computed solutions to the complex Navier-Stokes and Burger's equations before measurement. During real-time operation, the system simply queries these pre-computed tables using measured parameters as indices, avoiding real-time solution of complex equations. This preliminary computation approach eliminates computational instability while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the computational mechanism (real-time numerical solving of differential equations) with a lookup table query mechanism. Instead of using powerful computing apparatus to solve equations in real-time, the system uses pre-computed mathematical relationships stored in tables, substituting complex computational processes with simpler data retrieval operations that are stable and fast.
2Measurement precision
If sample preparation and calibration steps are included to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but measurement time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to determine physical properties directly from vibration spectrum data without requiring external calibration standards or sample preparation procedures. The lookup tables contain pre-computed relationships that allow the system to self-calibrate and self-measure by comparing measured vibration characteristics against the pre-stored mathematical models, eliminating the need for manual calibration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
All calibration and reference data are pre-computed and stored in lookup tables during system setup. The actual measurement process only requires querying these pre-prepared tables, eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration procedures during operation. The complex mathematical relationships are prepared in advance, so only simple lookups are needed during measurement.
3Measurement precision
If real-time equation solving is performed to measure physical properties, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex computational system (real-time numerical solvers requiring powerful computing apparatus) with a simple lookup table query system. The complex Navier-Stokes and Burger's equations are solved offline and stored as pre-computed lookup tables, transforming a computationally intensive real-time problem into a simple data retrieval operation that requires minimal processing power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-computed lookup tables as a substitute for expensive computational resources. Instead of relying on powerful and complex computing apparatus for real-time equation solving, the system uses simple stored data tables that can be queried efficiently, replacing expensive computational infrastructure with cheaper data storage and retrieval mechanisms.
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 broad applicability, improved accuracy, and stability in measuring density, viscosity, and other properties of non-gaseous materials, including heterogeneous liquids and loose solids, without the need for real-time equation solving or sample preparation, enhancing measurement precision and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
initializing vibration at least at a single predetermined position on the outside wall of the vessel filled to a predetermined level with non-gaseous free flowing matter
Implementation Method 2
a vibration sensor in mechanical communication with the vessel and arranged to capture the oscillation of the vessel wall
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for measuring physical properties of material in a vessel are provided. In one example, the method includes capturing a response to a vibration initiated by a source in mechanical communication with the vessel, generating a vibration response spectrum based on the response, and calculating at least one value of at least one physical property of the material based on at least one pre-established relationship between the at least one physical property and one or more characteristics of the vibration response spectrum.