Online real-time measurement of free water carryover using electrical resistance tomography (ERT)
Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) enables online, real-time measurement of free water carryover in multiphase flows. The approach supports distinguishing water from non-conductive materials and enables immediate process adjustments. Applications include monitoring and controlling water content on potatoes and potato slices during food processing.
Overview
This solution uses Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) to measure free water carryover in multiphase flows in real time. It is intended for food-processing applications such as monitoring and controlling water content on potatoes and potato slices during production. By providing quantitative measurements, the method supports improved process control and product quality.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) for precise measurement of multiphase flows.
- Capable of distinguishing water from non-conductive materials such as potatoes and potato chips.
- Provides online, real-time measurement to enable immediate process adjustments.
The underlying ERT technique has been developed over 25 years, with prior applications including estimating bubble sizes, identifying bubble coalescence zones, measuring turbulence, and monitoring chemical reactions and fluid mixing.
Technology readiness level
The current technology readiness level is 3, indicating the ERT technique has been demonstrated in a lab setting. Future validation is planned to build and test a system within a year, including stages for system development, model creation, and final validation in a relevant environment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a flagship, comprehensive public research university spanning multiple campuses, with a large research enterprise and clinical integration. Industry engages through co-located labs on the Twin Cities campuses, access to an academic health system for clinical translation, and pilot and field-testing facilities that speed scale-up. A statewide extension network and outreach centers provide real-world sites and data partnerships across Minnesota, while proximity to a dense medtech and Fortune 500 corridor enables frequent collaboration. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and startup incubation to speed commercialization.
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