Projects / Programmes
On-line characterization of fluids for the metal-processing industry
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.15.01 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Metrology |
Sensors and data acquisition |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.02 |
Engineering and Technology |
Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering |
Optical fibers, optical fiber sensors, Fabry-Perot, micromachining, microfluidics
Researchers (10)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
This project aims to rescreen and develop innovative sensor systems for real-time monitoring of fluids frequently encountered in the metal processing industry. Within the project, at least 3 different sensor systems will be researched, and possibly implemented experimentally in real industrial operation environments. The focus will be on sensors for determination of emulsion quality, sensors for monitoring dye and fluoride content in anodizing baths, and on the sensor for lubrication oil quality monitoring. These three sensing challenges were determined by a direct feedback from several industrial partners working intensively in the field of Metal Processing. The key approach within this project will base on research and development of new micro-optical sensors, which will be manufactured and verified in the laboratory using commercially available signal interrogators, and then transferred and installed in the real industrial environment of the participating industrial partners. All solutions will be unique, and will be based on the use of all fiber micro-optical sensors, which, together with signal interrogators, allow real-time measurements. Fiber micro-optical sensors in fluid applications are an excellent choice, because they are immune to a range of external influences, such as high humidity, high temperature (up to 700°C), the presence of most acids or other corrosive agents, electromagnetic pollution, and similar unwanted effects. In addition, because of their small dimensions, the sensors might allow measurements of micro-liter samples, which is especially important when determining the content of certain substances by adding reagents that are expensive and require specific storage. Their small size might also allow for highly localized measurements, which might be used as a toll for detection of localized sources of fluid change/contamination, and might thus provide unique opportunities in fathoming concepts of predictive maintained systems.
