Refraction measurement demonstrator
Project challenges
The production of cellulose-based colour pigments requires the precise preparation and processing of the materials.
Business challenge
Process Innovation
Sector
Power & Energy
Technology or capability
Laser Based Manufacturing
Process Design
Quantifiable In-Process Material Characterisation
The MTC designed, constructed and validated a laser refraction measurement demonstrator building on previous research to precisely quantify and characterise cellular suspensions for the production of bio-compatible, sustainable colour pigments.
The Challenge
The production of cellulose-based colour pigments requires the precise preparation and processing of the materials. Sparxell require a low-cost, rapid and repeatable means to analyse and quantify the suspension state against performance specifications.
The MTC were requested to specify, design, construct and validate an adaptable demonstration rig capable of performing consistent and repeatable measurements of the cellulose suspension. This included specifying and sourcing appropriate electronics and optical sub-systems.
MTC's Solution
- The MTC researched and selected appropriate laser sources and measurement solutions.
- Produced detail CAD models and manufacturing drawings.
- Procured and assembled the components to the specified tolerance criteria.
- Performed preliminary calibration, successfully verifying repeatable suspension state differentiation.
The MTC rapidly developed a solution which will aid us in materials characterisation during our critical product development activities.
Dr. Tianheng Zhao. Head of R&D at Sparxell
The Outcome
- Rapid development of quantifiable, high-speed, low-cost and repeatable suspension state measurement
- Improved knowledge of suspension preparation state, aiding product understanding and process refinement
- Incorporated flexibility for future enhancements to meet production requirements.
Benefits to the Client
- Improved process monitoring and control consistency.
- Reduced time-to-market.
- Improved product quality.
- Reduced processing waste.
- Improved pigment colour control capabilities.
The suspension measurement solutions provided by the MTC provide quantifiable, actionable measurements with the flexibility to meet future production requirements.
Marli de Villiers, Industrial Process Engineer at Sparxell
