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

2. Summary Problem Background Research Aims Initial Results Conclusions

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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

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

10. °C Time Sec. 1/Drip Interval. 1/Sec

11. 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

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

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

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

15. Test Duty Cycle Time Sec. Voltage V

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

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

18. END Any Questions?