Real-time ultrasonic monitoring of PET viscosity with miniaturized transducers
Innovative miniaturized ultrasonic transducers enable real-time monitoring of PET viscosity at high temperatures, enhancing process control in manufacturing environments. The solution integrates advanced materials for durability and accuracy under extreme conditions.
Overview
This cutting-edge solution employs miniaturized ultrasonic transducers to monitor the viscosity of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in real-time at the nozzle tip during manufacturing processes. By utilizing advanced thin-film piezoelectric technology, this approach overcomes the limitations of conventional ultrasonic transducers, such as size, cost, and thermal resistance. The solution enhances process control by providing accurate, continuous data on viscosity changes linked to molecular weight fluctuations.
Technical specifications
- Miniaturized transducer design: Measures 5 mm x 10 mm x 0.3 mm, allowing integration in tight spaces.
- High-temperature operation: Capable of functioning at temperatures up to 650°C using a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate and aluminum nitride (AlN) piezoelectric film.
- Real-time data acquisition: Monitors electromechanical impedance, ultrasonic wave speed, and energy transmission to provide insights into material properties.
- Compensation for temperature effects: Utilizes temperature-dependent impedance characteristics to offset wave propagation influences.
- Lab-scale demonstration: Successfully demonstrated on a desktop injection molding machine.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, which indicates analytical and experimental proof of concept. The next steps involve calibrating the system for high-temperature and high-pressure environments and validating its performance with PET samples of known molecular weights. Further testing in a simulated processing environment will assess accuracy, repeatability, and long-term reliability.
About University of Illinois Chicago
UIC researchers are advancing discoveries across the life sciences, engineering, computer science, energy, manufacturing, public health, biomedical and other fields. Our scientists are supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, and other federal agencies.
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