Bubble Detector

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

The invention relates to a bubble detector for electrically conductive liquids, which reliably detects bubbles or other objects flowing through the liquid by measuring changes in the electrical field. The system uses a sending electrode and a receiving electrode to generate and detect changes in the electric field profile, caused by the presence of bubbles or materials of different conductivity. An electronic readout system, including a differential amplifier, quickly and simply recognizes such changes, making the device both easy to construct and sensitive in operation.

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

• Detection of gas bubbles in medical devices like heart-lung machines, transfusion pumps, and dialysis equipment to prevent air embolisms.
• Detection of emboli (blood clots) in the circulatory system during surgical or medical procedures.
• Automation and quality assurance in laboratory and industrial filling or dosing systems to check for gas inclusions or phase separation.
• Process technology applications such as monitoring bubble columns or controlling the filling process of tubes with viscous contents to ensure bubble-free filling.
• Analyzing fluid mixtures (such as ethanol/water or fuel blends) based on conductivity changes for automotive applications (e.g., flex-fuel sensors).
• Condition monitoring of motor oils by detecting changes in conductivity related to oil aging, additive depletion, or metallic debris.
• Microfluidic applications to track fluid packets, gas bubbles, or segmentation in miniature channels.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Simple yet robust design for easy integration and low manufacturing cost.
• Sensitive and reliable detection of bubbles or foreign bodies in electrically conductive liquids.
• No need for transparent components or complex optical/electronic systems.
• Homogeneous measurement across entire vessel cross-section, not limited to specific flow regions.
• Effective compensation for temperature-driven conductivity changes, increasing measurement reliability.
• Broad range of electrode configurations and vessel sizes possible, allowing adaptation to diverse applications and geometric constraints.
• Reduces risk in critical applications, especially in medical and process technology fields, by providing rapid and trustworthy detection of unwanted bubbles or phase inclusions.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The aim of the invention is to create a simply designed, reliably measuring bubble detector. Said aim is achieved by a bubble detector comprising a device for determining objects such as bubbles flowing in a liquid. The device is formed such that flowing bubbles and the like are detected in the electrically conductive liquid by measuring an induced change in the electrical field in the liquid. The bubble detector comprises a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode, by means of which the electrical field in the liquid is generated. The device further comprises an electronic readout system, which can determine a change in a potential profile, that is, a change in an electrical field generated by means of the two electrodes, by subtraction. Such subtraction can be implemented electronically with minimum efforts. A simply designed bubble detector can therefore be provided, by means of which an object or medium flowing in the electrically conductive liquid, such as flowing bubbles, can be detected reliably and quickly.