Scottoiler industrialisation A mechatronic study of a needle valve based fluid dispensing system Rémi Zante

Summary Problem Background Research Aims Initial Results Conclusions

The Problem Problem background –RMV-Reservoir Metering Valve –Temperature issues –New market –Controlled actuation required –Lubrication in industry

Research Aim & Objectives Aims: –Investigate micro-mechatronic design principals and their applications in precisions fluid system control Objectives –Investigate understand and model fluid flow of RMV –Use model to develop an optimised mechatronic oiler system.

Mechanical Electronic & Digital control Fluid Literature Dripping Chaos Drop Dynamics Literature Needle Valves Flow Control Design Factors RMV Temperature Valve Geometry Pressure Head Viscosity Literature Design Factors Linear MotorsSolenoid Force Linear ActuatorsLinear Actuation System Control Systems Mecha tronics Literature Programming Labview Design Factors PIC Program Data Logger Design Factors Spring Settings Hysteresis Backlash Tolerances

Flow Analysis-Methodology Previous studies –Unable to predict flow rates –Quality of data –Macro approach. New approach –Drip timer with integrated temperature acquisition –Develop Explicative model. Inherently inaccurate (as all models are) but good fit to compensate for outside factors

Initial Results Fast response of drip rate to changes in temperature. Drip rate more closely linked to case temperature than fluid temperature.

°C Time Sec. 1/Drip Interval. 1/Sec

Backed up by calculation: The coefficient of linear thermal expansion of RMV body material, Diakon is 8-12m/°Cx10 -5, ie in the lowest case mm expansion per mm per °C. Assuming changes of 20°C are possible. This equates to mm expansion over 20°C. Equivalent to 2 positions on rotation scale. Potentially double flow rate

Prototype build Build and test Test plot Shows reliability plot of mechanism

Oiler Rig System Diagram Integrated Circuit 12V Battery Solenoid Reed Switch Magnate Reservoir RMV Chain Oiler system Duty Cycle Control PCDAQ Machine/Simulator

Specification Self contained unit 2L Capacity, approx. 1 Month 400+ Solenoid actuations 1 month battery life

Test Duty Cycle Time Sec. Voltage V

Contribution New understanding of gravity feed needle valve Not been studied in this way before Low cost fluid control

Next Steps Generate and analyse test data Develop fluid flow model Use model for linear actuator design Write thesis

END Any Questions?