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Read the full report here
Utiliszing their years of experience with new digital Proportional Integral Derivative FPGA Technology & (PID) control systems, Adrian Short and the Omiga team worked with Cambridge University engineers to reengineer the world's first Multi-Pass Rheometer.
Development of the MPR focused on improving three core areas: accuracy, flexibility and speed. Using LabVIEW 8.6.1, engineers designed a digital control system that broadened the functionality of the machine and the capability of the analysis software. Piston control was redesigned to produce a smooth movement; with waveforms now generated to achieve piston velocity in excess of 200 mm/second, the resolution of results has been improved.
“With suitable hardware, the MPR system has the potential to run at speeds well in excess of of 2050 mm/second.” says Short, "The current system has been tested up to 500 mm/second piston velocity but current hydraulic system can only sustain 200 mm/second for long durations. This could be increased with a revised servo system which may be considered in the near future".
Omiga redesigned the MPR’s existing data acquisition and control architecture which has been replaced with a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) layer. This layer servers to streamline data between the Real-Time system and Microsoft Windows control and analysis computer.
Currently, the MPR is constrained to high viscosity systems; however, Omiga and Cambridge intend to increase the versatility of the MPR. The technology has the potential to continue the development of rheometers, rheo-optics, and fluid mixing in Chemical Engineering. Additionally, Omiga has designed software to accommodate other specialist control techniques required by chemical engineering companies. As part of the negotiations with Cambridge University, Omiga promoted a partnership with Strata Technology Ltd., a leading technological company, to extend the global use of the MPR with Universities and International chemical companies.
| Cambridge Department of Chemical Engineering: | National Instruments LabView: | National Instruments |
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