Non-Destructive Evaluation Device for Monitoring Fluid Viscosity

Abstract

There is an increasing need for non-destructive, low-cost devices for real-time fluid viscosity monitoring. Therefore, in this study, a method based on structural health monitoring is adapted for monitoring fluid properties. A device is built such that an inexpensive and disposable viscosity probe be possible. The design incorporates a sensor/actuator pair using a piezoelectric material layered with copper/brass and capable of monitoring viscosity changes in low volume liquids (e.g., vacutainer vial). Experiments performed with the new device show a definite pattern of wave propagation in viscous solutions. A numerical model is built to investigate the wave propagation in the fluid. For experimental measurements, the sensor part of the device detects the generated pressure wave in fluid (e.g., air, water, glycerin) by the actuator part. The phase shift between the actuator and the sensor signals is then recorded and plotted for different concentrations of glycerin and water at room temperature. The results of this study show a direct correlation between the phase shift and varying viscosity in the ultrasonic frequency range from 6 to 9 MHz. The numerical simulation, performed utilizing acoustic modal and harmonic response analysis, results also demonstrate the same trend as the experimental results: a phase shift increases with the viscosity of the fluid.

"Survey of Integrated Viscosity Sensing Methods for the Augmentation of Mobile Food Scanner and In-line Sensing"

“…Glycerin and water -Low-cost and tiny device [36] Ultrasonic waveguide sensor -Sensor: planar waveguide: -Mechanically robust sensor and suitable for in-line [37] Resonant MEMS sensor -Sensor: plate for vibrations and piezoresistive readout on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer Glycerol-water mixtures -Viscosity range below 100 mPas -Can be utilized for viscosity of arbitrary liquids [38] Fluorescence Spectroscopy -Diode laser, a high-pass filter, three biconvex lenses, a multi-mode fiber, and a fiber-optical spectrometer.…”

“…These viscometers can measure the viscosity in macroscopic materials but are insufficient for microscopic materials[26]. Researchers have exploited other techniques and sensing methods for viscosity detection for food quality control, listed in Table 2[27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. Most of those techniques are laboratory-based measurement, the cost of viscometry measurements becomes very high since they require substantial labor contribution and need a qualified laboratory assistant.…”

Monitoring of Liquid Viscosity for Viscous Dampers through a Wireless Impedance Measurement System

“…Shi et al used electromechanical impedance to monitor the grout compactness in a concrete filled fiber reinforced polymer tube [43]. Based on the phase shift, Abdulkareem et al developed a non-destructive evaluation device to monitor the fluid viscosity [44]. Chen at al.…”

Monitoring of viscous damper fluid viscosity using piezoceramic transducers—a feasibility study

“…In the previous studies, Bujard et al [52] used the resonance characteristics of a piezoelectric element to measure the viscosity of fluids. Based on the phase shift, Abdulkareem et al [53] developed a non-destructive evaluation device to monitor the fluid viscosity. Momozawa et al [54] used the transversal effects of the disk-type lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducer in the frequency range of 70-430 kHz to measure the viscosity of the liquid.…”