초록 ▼

An ultrasonic streaming current detector for developing, on a continuous basis, an electric signal which is a function of the charge condition existing in a stream containing charged particles. The present invention has a cross shaped housing having a cross member and a longitudinal member containin

An ultrasonic streaming current detector for developing, on a continuous basis, an electric signal which is a function of the charge condition existing in a stream containing charged particles. The present invention has a cross shaped housing having a cross member and a longitudinal member containing a pump chamber having a reciprocating piston on a pair of signal generating electrodes. A fluid injection connection is provided to the base of the longtudinal member. The piston pumps a sample stream within the pump chamber, creating a reciprocating shear force against the sample stream, generating an electric signal across the electrodes. The generated signal is representative of the average electric charge of the suspended particles in the sample stream. To prevent buildup of sample particles in the pump chamber, which would bias the signal, a periodic wash backflow of a fluid is injected into the pump chamber, preferably at a point opposite the point of sample fluid injection. This jet wash purges the pump chambers, maintaining the accuracy of the sample stream.

대표청구항 ▼

A jet wash apparatus for ultrasonic streaming current detector, having passageway means for variably conveying a cleaning fluid into said ultrasonic streaming current detector, said ultrasonic streaming current detector comprising: a. a cross-shaped tubular member having cross-member and longitudina

A jet wash apparatus for ultrasonic streaming current detector, having passageway means for variably conveying a cleaning fluid into said ultrasonic streaming current detector, said ultrasonic streaming current detector comprising: a. a cross-shaped tubular member having cross-member and longitudinal elements communicating with each other and filled with a test fluid containing charge-influencing species; b. a piston receiving member mounted coaxially with said longitudinal element; c. a casing substantially surrounding said piston receiving member; d. a pair of electrodes, the first of which is disposed adjacent to a bottom end of said piston receiving member and the second of which is disposed in said piston receiving member above the first electrode; e. a reciprocating element mounted in a central bore of said piston receiving member; f. means for reciprocating and reciprocating element within the bore of said piston receiving member, so as to cause a continuous repititive flow of said test fluid to and from said bore to thereby generate electrical signals across said electrodes; g. means for amplifying said electrical signals generated across said electrodes and means for utilizing said amplified signals; h. means for conducting said electrical signals generated across said electrodes from said electrodes to said means for amplifying said electrical signals and said means for utilizing said amplified signals; i. means for synchronizing said conduction of said electrical signals with the action of said reciprocating element; j. an ultrasonic cleaning device disposed adjacent to said piston receiving member and said casing for generating mechanical vibrations to prevent an agglomeration of said charge-influencing species contained by said test fluid in the area about said electrodes, and wherein said jet wash apparatus comprises: a connector receptacle connected in fluid communication with the bottom of said longitudinal element of said cross-shaped tubular member; a cleaning fluid inlet means connected in fluid communication to the bottom of said connector receptacle, said cleaning fluid inlet means having an adjustable valve; a conduit connected in fluid communication at its bottom end to said cleaning fluid inlet means and fluidly communicating with said piston receiving member at its top end.