Device and Method for Determining the Volume and Porosity of Objects and Bulk Materials

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The patent describes a device and method that uses a closed measurement chamber, equipped with a membrane and transducer, to rapidly determine the volume and porosity of solid objects or bulk materials. By compressing or expanding gas in the chamber and measuring the membrane's movement at different frequencies, the technique provides precise, non-destructive measurement of both the true volume and the total volume (including pores and voids) of irregularly shaped items, small objects, or groups of items. The system is cost-effective, fast, and suitable for a wide range of objects.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Quality control and sorting of seeds or grains in agriculture based on volume or porosity.
• Measurement of the porosity or full-space volume in pharmaceutical powders and granules.
• Determining the density and internal voids of manufactured parts, including plastics, ceramics, or small machined components.
• Testing the fill level and porosity of capsules or containers in industrial or packaging processes.
• Analysis of plant biomass or leaf structure for botanical or biological research.
• Integration into automated production lines requiring rapid, precise object volume measurement, such as food processing or material handling.
• Estimating moisture or oil content in seeds by combining volume and weight measurements.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Non-destructive measurement—objects can be analyzed without damage or alteration.
• Highly accurate and repeatable volume calculations, even for irregularly shaped objects.
• Fast measurement times (as low as 2 seconds per item/operation).
• Cost-effective and simple device design using standard components.
• Ability to analyze both individual items and bulk groups (e.g., grains, powders, seeds).
• Direct measurement of porosity alongside volume, which is beneficial in many applications.
• Minimal calibration required—flexible for use with different object types and chamber gases.
• Potential for compact, portable, or automated system designs.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the total volume and/or the true volume and the porosity of objects, wherein a gas chamber of a closed measurement chamber is compressed or expanded, this volume change ΔV in the measurement chamber causes a movement change of a membrane of a transducer, wherein the movement of this membrane of the transducer correlates linearly with the volume change ΔV in the measurement chamber, the mechanical movement of said membrane of the transducer being triggered by at least one frequency, as a function of the volume of an object in a measurement chamber, and the movement change of the membrane being measured by a sensor head. The invention also relates to a device suitable for the method.