Scottoiler industrialisationA 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.

Mec

hani

cal

Electronic &

Digital control

Fluid

LiteratureDripping ChaosDrop Dynamics

LiteratureNeedle ValvesFlow ControlDesign FactorsRMVTemperatureValve GeometryPressure HeadViscosity

Literature Design FactorsLinear Motors Solenoid ForceLinear Actuators Linear Actuation SystemControl Systems

Mechatronics

LiteratureProgrammingLabviewDesign FactorsPIC ProgramData Logger

Design FactorsSpring Settings HysteresisBacklashTolerances

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°C

Time Sec.

1/D

rip I

nter

val.

1/S

ec

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 0.00008mm expansion per mm per °C.

• Assuming changes of 20°C are possible. This equates to 0.01808mm 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.

Tim

e S

ec.

Vo

ltag

e 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?