A team of researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a device capable of predicting the flow of liquids in various conditions that include measuring viscosity of consumer products such as ketchup or makeup in order to ensure they have an optimum consistency.
The product is the result of a combined research between the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and allows engineers to monitor the viscous components of liquids and the change in properties in real-time, during production. This allows for cheaper, easier and faster control over the properties of the specified liquid. A paper has been published by the researchers in the journal “Measurement Science and Technology”.
The co-author of the study, Dr Julia Rees from the Department of Applied Mathematics stated that the research will great help liquid products manufacturing companies since they will know learn how the liquids perform in various circumstances since the behavior can have an impact on the taste, smell and texture of the liquid product.
In order to calculate the changing viscosity of liquids, designers have used complex mathematical equations. However, the Sheffield research team has found a way to predict the changes by using a sensor system. The non-invasive system calculates the likely behavioral changes by communicating with an electronic device.
Dr Rees concluded by explaining that instead of producing complex equations to determine the changes, it was possible to simplify the process with the use of sensors, which can make the calculations themselves after determining the individual properties. This process will eliminate expensive laboratory testing and reduce developmental costs. Since the sensor system is scalable, it can be incorporated into the manufacturer’s device during development.
Source: http://www.shef.ac.uk/