A modern paint system consists of several components whose composition can directly influence atomization behavior.
Even changes in concentration, material composition or optical properties can cause a paint to behave differently during atomization.
In many applications, it is therefore not sufficient to measure droplet size alone. An additional question arises:
Is the material currently being atomized still comparable with the previously defined reference material?
This question is particularly important when comparing different paint formulations, in mixing processes and when monitoring a paint system over longer periods of time.
The Solution with ParticleTensorAI®
ParticleTensorAI® was developed for the advanced analysis of optical signals from droplets and particles.
While SprayQuantAI® primarily monitors the geometric and dynamic properties of the spray, ParticleTensorAI® additionally examines the complex structure of the optical scattering signals.
As it passes through the measurement volume, a single droplet generates a characteristic, time-dependent light scattering signature. This signature depends not only on the size and velocity of the droplet – optical and material-related properties also influence the signal shape.
ParticleTensorAI® processes large volumes of such signals using AI-based methods and can thus detect differences between different material states.
LSS2 for Combined Spray and Material Information
The LSS2 measurement probe offers two optical measurement channels. In addition to the conventional spray parameters, this provides further information on the optical properties of the droplets.
Depending on the application and prior training of the system, changes in a paint system can thus be detected and compared with a reference state.
This is of interest, for example, for:
- changes in concentration,
- different paint formulations,
- mixing ratios,
- material changes,
- changes during storage or processing and
- comparing new formulations with existing reference materials.
A Reference Instead of Complicated Individual Parameters
For many industrial applications, it is not necessary to determine every physical material property individually. The question of greater practical importance is often:
Does the current material still match the approved reference state?
To answer it, ParticleTensorAI® learns the characteristic signal structures of a known state. During measurement, new signals are compared with this reference space.
This way, a change in the material is detected even if its cause is initially unknown.
Applications in Development and Production
The system can be used both in paint development and in process monitoring.
In development, different paint formulations can be compared with one another. This makes it possible to investigate how changes in composition affect the spray produced.
In production, the system then monitors whether the material remains within the previously defined process window.
ParticleTensorAI® thus combines the analysis of the spray with the analysis of the atomized material.