Method and Measurement Assembly for Detecting a Flow Parameter of a Fluid

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This invention relates to a method and measurement device for determining a flow property, specifically the extensional viscosity, of fluids. It operates by extruding the fluid at a constant flow rate through a nozzle onto a substrate, while moving either the nozzle or substrate at a steady speed. An optical sensor, such as a camera, captures the shape and diameter of the fluid strand between the nozzle and substrate. Using this optical data, together with known parameters like flow rate and movement speed, the system calculates the fluid’s extensional viscosity, providing valuable rheological information.

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• Quality control in industrial production involving fluids (such as polymer melts, inks, or pastes).
• Monitoring and adjusting fluid properties during 3D printing processes.
• Research and development of new materials requiring precise rheological characterization.
• Checking suitability of fluids for specific processing techniques (printing, extrusion, coating).
• Calibration and optimization of processing parameters in chemical and polymer engineering.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a relatively simple, fast, and non-destructive way to measure extensional viscosity of fluids.
• Avoids the complexity and limitations of traditional rheometry techniques for this property.
• Can be adapted to existing equipment, such as retrofitting 3D printers with minimal hardware changes.
• Enables real-time or in-line monitoring for immediate quality control and process adjustment.
• Allows evaluation of multiple fluid properties (like wetting behavior and shear viscosity) with optical measurements.
• Operates over a range of conditions, including temperature- and environment-controlled settings, enhancing versatility.

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Patent Abstract

In order to determine a rheological property of a fluid, the fluid is conveyed with a constant volume flow rate through a nozzle and the fluid strand thereby generated is deposited on a substrate. A relative movement takes place between the nozzle and the substrate at a forward feed velocity value. A contour of the liquid strand between the nozzle and the substrate is optically measured, and an extensional viscosity as a rheological property is deduced from knowledge of the volume flow rate, the forward feed velocity value and the contour of the fluid strand.