A high-speed imaging system for Acoustoelectrochemistry
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
Cavitation events are short-lived gas bubbles that occur under the correct physical conditions. In order to study these events high- speed cameras can be used to understand the dynamics of the interfaces involved and the effects they have of other sensors placed close to them. In this project two camera systems will be developed with the ability to acquire images at high rates (up to 400,000 frames per second). Under these conditions the cavitation events can be viewed in real time and their effects correlated with the data obtained from a number of different sensors placed within the local environment. These sensors will use, for example, electrochemical and acoustic technology to detect how the liquid around the bubble moves and the damage that the bubbles can do to a solid surface. This study will enable the true effects of cavitation, and related bubble phenomena, to be clarified. In addition these camera systems will be used to study the fast motion of aquatic organisms (for example the mantis shrimp) which are suspected to generate large cavitation bubbles as they attack their prey/defend themselves from other predators. Finally the cameras will be used to study the processes that occur at the gas/liquid interface of a breaking wave.
Organisations
Publications
Birkin P
(2013)
Understanding the spatial mass transfer behaviour of a pulsating jet HMV system - Vortex generation and characterisation
in Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry
Birkin P
(2020)
Generation and In Situ Electrochemical Detection of Transient Nanobubbles
in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Birkin P
(2006)
Mass transfer enhancement produced by laser induced cavitation
in Electrochemistry Communications
Birkin P
(2009)
Studies of the anodic dissolution of aluminium alloys containing tin and gallium using imaging with a high-speed camera
in Electrochimica Acta
Birkin P
(2021)
In-situ detection of single particle impact, erosion/corrosion and surface roughening
in Wear
Birkin PR
(2020)
Cavitation clusters in lipid systems - Ring-up, bubble population, and bifurcated streamer lifetime.
in Ultrasonics sonochemistry
Birkin PR
(2015)
Cold water cleaning of brain proteins, biofilm and bone - harnessing an ultrasonically activated stream.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Birkin PR
(2015)
Electrochemical 'bubble swarm' enhancement of ultrasonic surface cleaning.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Birkin PR
(2011)
Investigation of noninertial cavitation produced by an ultrasonic horn.
in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
| Description | This grant enables not only a set of academic investigations to be undertaken in detail, but enabled the understanding of new technologies (specifically a novel jet cleaning system) to be developed and move from the lab to deploy-able prototype stage. Findings on cavitation bubble dynamics (both inertial and non-inertial) where gained while the ability of such bubbles to clean and erode surfaces in a variety of geometries where explored. This is an ongoing set of projects and the grant has provided key equipment for many investigations within the group which has then go on to publishable and exploitable outcomes. |
| Exploitation Route | Starstream has high potential for general surface cleaning in a variety of different arenas including nuclear decontamination and healthcare. Some of the work undertaken with the equipment has been used to develop a novel cleaning system (termed 'Starstream') which is under commercial development. Evaluation licenses and prototype systems have been undertaken and developed as appropriate. |
| Sectors | Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| URL | http://royalsociety.org/grants/case-studies/tim-leighton/ |
| Description | This grant was used to fund the purchase of a set of high-speed cameras, lenses and associated hardware. In turn this was used for a fundamental investigation of bubble dynamics and their excitation using suitable stimuli (for example acoustic excitation). These investigations were extremely useful in understanding and exploiting the fundamental mechanisms present and were used to develop a whole sweet of technologies designed to effectively clean flat and structured surfaces. The technologies are in the process of commercial exploitation, one of which is the 'Starstream' technology which shows high potential and has received further recognition through national awards. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2008 |
| Sector | Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Other |
| Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
| Title | NPL Licence |
| Description | Birkin P R, Vian C, Hanamanthu J and Leighton T G, Evaluation licence agreement for non-commercial use of a cavitation sensor (made 23 February 2010) Reference number 373990 (licensee: The National Physical laboratory). |
| IP Reference | |
| Protection | Protection not required |
| Year Protection Granted | |
| Licensed | Yes |
| Impact | This part of the project was concerned with the possible exploitation of an erosion sensor for the characterization of cavitation. Although no direct commercial output has been gained, it still shows potential in this sector. |
| Title | Ultrasonic Wave Device |
| Description | This represents the 'Starstream' project which is undergoing commercial exploitation. This technology is designed to clean a surface effectively without the need for high-speed jets or significant chemical input. |
| IP Reference | GB0914836.2 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | |
| Licensed | Yes |
| Impact | This has developed into a significant academic and industrial collaboration which is still ongoing |