The characterisation of complex fluids using electrical tomography

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Machin, Thomas David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4758-6136 (2020). The characterisation of complex fluids using electrical tomography. University of Birmingham. Eng.D.

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Abstract

Digital manufacturing approaches can yield significant competitive advantages through process optimisation, including reductions in operational and maintenance costs and increased sustainability. Despite such promise, a significant challenge exists to develop suitable in-situ sensors and diagnostic methods that are capable of extracting real-time information to characterise formulated products. Tomographic approaches, however, have considerable potential to address this challenge. Accordingly, this thesis demonstrates novel Electrical Impedance Tomography sensing and data interpretation techniques which offer new capabilities in true in-situ analysis.

Electrical Resistance Rheometry, developed within this thesis, enables the in-pipe characterisation of a fluid’s rheological behaviour via the direct measurement of the radial velocity profile. Since in-line measurements are conducted within the flow environment they are able to overcome deficiencies of traditional analysis methods and possess the capability to elevate rheometry from a quality control tool, at process end point, to one which is able to control and optimise processes.

Additional novel sensing and data interpretation methodologies have been presented, including Electrical Impedance Fingerprinting. Within both industrial pipelines and vessels, this technique has been successfully exploited to identify differing formulations of surfactant-electrolyte systems, with key quality and structural attributes able to be subsequently inferred. Heterogeneous solid-liquid slurries have also been characterised with a view to optimise a non-nucleonic density measurement for use in hydraulic conveying systems.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Eng.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Eng.D.

Supervisor(s):