Fluorescent Particles, Inspection Device Using Fluorescent Particles For Visualizing and Inspecting Motion/Movement Of Fluid In Locations Where Fluid Is Present, And Inspection Method Using Fluorescent Particles For Visualizing and Inspecting Motion/Movement Of Fluid In Locations Where Fluid Is Present

Abstract

[Problem] To provide: fluorescent particles that are used to create a fluorescent material for coating an object in the vicinity of a fluid, that move regularly in the fluid while suppressing halation generated by the objects, and that enable the motion/movement of the fluid to be sharply visualized; an inspection device; and an inspection method.

[Solution] Substantially spherical fluorescent particles comprising a mixture containing at least one fluorescent material and a synthetic resin, wherein: the fluorescent material is excited by any purple visible light and UV rays having a wave-length of 290-405 nm, and emits visible light having a peak wavelength within the range of 410-620 nm; and the fluorescent particles have diameters of 100 nm to 1 mm and are distinguishable from bubbles and/or foreign bodies in the fluid when irradiated with the light.

Claims

1. Fluorescent particles comprising mixture including at least one fluorescent substance and a synthetic resin, wherein said fluorescent particles are characterized in that the fluorescent substance emits visible lights having a peak wavelength within a range of 410 nm-620 nm when irradiated by ultraviolet light have a wavelength of 290 nm-405 nm, wherein said synthetic resin is a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin, wherein the fluorescent particles are spherically shaped with a particle diameter of 10 nm-1 mm, and wherein said fluorescent substance comprises any one or more compound selected from the group consisting of europium-based compounds that emit red lights having any one of following chemical formulae 1 to 5, naphthalene-based compounds that emit blue lights having chemical formula 6, terbium-based compounds that emit green lights having chemical formula 7 or 8, and quinoline-based compounds that emit green lights shown by a following having chemical formula 9, wherein ##STR00011## ##STR00012## ##STR00013##

2. The fluorescent particles in claim 1, wherein true density is 0.95 g/cm.sup.3-1.58 g/cm.sup.3.

3. The fluorescent particles in claim 1, wherein said synthetic resin is one or more thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic, polystyrene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), polyurethane, melamine, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, AS (acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer), polymethyl methacrylate resift, polycarbonate, and polyester.

4. The fluorescent particles in claim 1, wherein said synthetic resin is one or more thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic, polystyrene, ABS, polyurethane, and melamine.

5. An inspection device and fluorescent particles for visualizing and inspecting fluid motion in locations where fluid is present, wherein the inspection device comprises: one or more light source configured to emit light with ultraviolet wavelength of 290 nm-405 nm, a lens configured to focus or disperse ultraviolet light or visible light emitted from said one or more light source; and an imaging part configured to shoot the locations where fluid is present.

6. The inspection device and fluorescent particles in claim 5, wherein said fluorescent particles comprise first fluorescent particles, and second fluorescent particles which emit light in a different color than light emitted from the first fluorescent particles, and wherein neither the first fluorescent particles nor the second fluorescent particles are mixed with the other.

7. The inspection device and fluorescent particles in claim 5, wherein said fluorescent particles further comprise third fluorescent particles which emit light in a different color than the light of the first and the second fluorescent particles; and wherein none of the first fluorescent particles, the second fluorescent particle or the third fluorescent particles are mixed with any of the others.

8. A method for visualizing and inspecting fluid motion in locations where fluid is present, comprising steps of: (A) blending fluorescent particles into locations where fluid is present; (B) irradiating said the fluid containing said blended fluorescent particles with ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 290 nm-405 nm; and (C) observing visible lights emitted from said fluorescent particles.

9. The method in claim 8, wherein said fluorescent particles comprise first fluorescent particles, and second fluorescent particles which emit light in a different color than light emitted from the first fluorescent particles, and wherein said step (A) further comprises: (a1) blending the first fluorescent particles into a first fluid; and (a2) blending the second fluorescent particles into a second fluid, said method further comprising (D1) mixing the first fluid blended with the first fluorescent particles, and the second fluid blended with the second fluorescent particles.

10. The method in claim 8, wherein said fluorescent particles comprise first fluorescent particles that emit light, second fluorescent particles that emit light in a different color than the light of the first fluorescent particles, and third fluorescent particles that emit light in a different color than the light of the first fluorescent particles and the light of the second fluorescent particles, and wherein said step (A) further comprises: (a1) blending the first fluorescent particles into a first fluid; (a2) blending the second fluorescent particles into a second fluid; and (a3) blending the third fluorescent particles into a third fluid, said method further comprising (D2) mixing the first fluid blended with the first fluorescent particles, the second fluid blended with the second fluorescent particles, and the third fluid blended with the third fluorescent particles.

11. The method in claim 8, further comprising (E) detecting foreign substances or bubbles in the fluid irradiated by the ultraviolet light.

12. The method in claim 8, wherein said step (C) uses an imaging part of an inspection device for the observing step.

13. The fluorescent particles in claim 2, wherein said synthetic resin is one or more thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic, polystyrene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), polyurethane, melamine, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, AS (acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer), polymethyl methacrylate resin, polycarbonate, and polyester.

14. The fluorescent particles in claim 2, wherein said synthetic resin is one or more thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic, polystyrene, ABS, polyurethane, and melamine.

15. The method in claim 9, further comprising (E) detecting foreign substances in the fluid irradiated by the ultraviolet light.

16. The method in claim 10, further comprising (E) detecting foreign substances in the fluid irradiated by the ultraviolet light.

17. The method in claim 9, wherein said step (C) uses an imaging part of an inspection device for the observing step.

18. The method in claim 10, wherein said step (C) uses an imaging part of an inspection device for the observing step.

19. The inspection method in claim 11, wherein said step (C) uses an imaging part of an inspection device for the observing step.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is an SEM image of the fluorescence particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 2 is an SEM image of crystals of a light-emitting substance (Chemical formula 1) comprised in the fluorescence particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 3 is an SEM image of crystals of a light-emitting substance (Chemical formula 2) comprised in the fluorescence particles according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0045] FIG. 4 is an SEM image of crystals of a light-emitting substance (Chemical formula 5) comprised in the fluorescence particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 5 is an SEM image of crystals of a light-emitting substance (Chemical formula 6) comprised in the fluorescence particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 6 is an SEM image of crystals of a light-emitting substance (Chemical formula 7) comprised in the fluorescence particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 7 is an SEM image of crystals of a light-emitting substance (Chemical formula 8) comprised in the fluorescence particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 8 is an SEM image of crystals of a light-emitting substance (Chemical formula 9) comprised in the fluorescence particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 9A is a schematic view showing the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 9B is a schematic view showing the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 9C is a schematic view showing the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 10A is a schematic view showing the process of discriminating the fluorescent particles from foreign substances and/or bubbles in the fluid, in the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 10B is a schematic view showing the process of discriminating the fluorescent particles from foreign substances and/or bubbles in the fluid in the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 10C is a schematic view showing the process of discriminating the fluorescent particles from foreign substances and/or bubbles in the fluid, in the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 11A is a schematic view showing the visualization of a fluid motion/movement, when a droplet is added dropwise with the use of two fluorescent particles emitting lights in different colors, in the inspection method according to embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 11B is a schematic view showing the visualization of a fluid motion/movement, when a droplet is added dropwise with the use of two fluorescent particles emitting lights in different colors, in the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 11C is a schematic view showing the visualization of a fluid motion/movement, when a droplet is added dropwise with the use of two fluorescent particles emitting lights in different colors, in the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 11D is a schematic view showing the visualization of a fluid motion/movement, when a droplet is added dropwise with the use of two fluorescent particles emitting lights in different colors, in the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the visualization of a multiphase flow of the fluid with the use of three fluorescent particles emitting lights in different colors, in the inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 13A shows an excitation spectrum and a fluorescent spectrum of the fluorescent particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 13B shows an excitation spectrum and a fluorescent spectrum of the fluorescent particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 13C shows an excitation spectrum nod a fluorescent spectrum of the fluorescent particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] Hereinafter, fluorescent particles according to the present invention, an inspection device using the fluorescent particles for visualizing and inspecting fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present, and an inspection method using the fluorescent particles for visualizing and inspecting fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present, are described in detail with reference to drawings.

[0065] The term “fluid” herein refers to what is in the form of liquid, gas or gas-liquid mixture.

[0066] The description “fluid motion/movement” herein refers to a flow, stream and migration of a fluid. Also, if, for example, polar solvents are mixed with each other or non-polar solvents are mixed with each other, respective resulting solvents are miscible, however, if polar solvent and non-polar solvent are mixed with each other, each solvent separates from each other. When these plural different fluids are mixed, the process of each fluid becoming admixed with others or separating from others is also construed to be included in the meaning of “fluid motion/movement”.

[0067] The lower limit of the wavelength of visible lights for human is the above-mentioned to be 360 nm-400 nm, and varies between individuals. Therefore, there are plural boundaries and definitions for visible lights and ultraviolet lights. The “ultraviolet lights” herein is defined as the lights with the wavelength of 380 nm or less, based on JIS B 7079 and ISO 20473. Therefore, the lights with the wavelength longer than 380 nm are construed to be visible lights.

[0068] The term “object” herein is construed to be a collective term for objects contacting the fluid. The object example includes, but not limited to, a pipe line where the fluid flows or a container with the fluid inside. Alternatively, the example also includes, but not limited to, a screw, a moving object, a prismatic or spherical structure in the fluid.

Fluorescent Particles

[0069] Fluorescence particles in the present embodiment are the fluorescent particles comprising a mixture including at least one fluorescent substance and a synthetic resin.

[0070] As the fluorescent particles are the mixture comprising at least a fluorescent substance and a synthetic resin, it is possible to prevent the fluorescent substance from being subjected to an external force and getting broken in the fluid. Hence, it is possible to prevent the fluorescent substance from attaching to or painting the object surrounding the fluid. Also, it is possible to suppressing a risk of the object getting painted with the fluorescent substance, and subsequently getting excited by the ultraviolet lights and emitting lights.

[0071] The fluorescent substance is excited by the lights (ultraviolet lights and purple-colored visible lights) with the ultraviolet wavelength of mainly 290 nm-405 nm, and emits visible lights with the peak wavelength within the range of 400 nm-620 nm.

[0072] In other words, the fluorescent substance is excited by UV-A with the wavelength of 315 nm-380 nm, UV-B with the wavelength of 290 nm-315 nm, and purple-colored visible lights with the wavelength longer than 380 nm, and emits lights.

[0073] The fluorescent particles are excited by invisible ultraviolet lights and emit lights. Therefore, irradiation of ultraviolet lights can suppress halation caused by a reflection of visible lights at the object surrounding the fluid and to visualize the fluid motion/movement.

[0074] The fluorescent substance contained in the fluorescent particles is excited by not only ultraviolet lights but also purple-colored visible lights, and emits lights. Therefore, when the purple-colored visible lights are irradiated, the fluorescent particles are excited and emit visible lights in a different color than that of the irradiated purple-colored visible lights, but foreign substances and bubbles in the fluid reflect the purple-colored visible lights as they are. Hence, the fluorescent particles can be discriminated from foreign substances and/or bubbles, and enable observation and inspection of possible ingress of foreign substances in the fluid and/or possible gas generation if the fluid is a liquid.

[0075] The fluorescent particles have the particle diameter of 10 nm-1 mm, which is adjustable within this range.

[0076] As the particle diameter of the fluorescent particle is adjustable within the above range, it is possible, for example, to use the fluorescent particles with a smaller diameter to visualize the fluid motion/movement in a small pump such as micro-pump, and the fluorescent particles with a larger diameter to visualize the fluid motion/movement in a large reactor in a plant. Selecting a particle diameter depending on the scale of the location where each fluid is present enables easy visualization and observation of the fluid motion/movement.

[0077] The fluorescent particles preferably have a small standard deviation of particle size distribution. An example of the standard deviation of the particle size distribution is, but not limited to 0.5 or less. More preferable example is 0.2 or less.

[0078] Variation in particle size causes variation in the motion of the fluorescent particles in the fluid, making it difficult to visualize the fluid motion/movement finely. Making the standard deviation of particle size smaller enables more fine visualization of the fluid motion/movement.

[0079] FIG. 1 shows an SEM image of the fluorescent particles. As shown in FIG. 1, a fluorescent particle has an almost spherical shape. On the other hand, the particle of the fluorescent substance has unequal sizes or crooked shapes, such as with crystal structures being cylindrical or concavo-convex. FIG. 2 shows an SEM image of a crystal of tris(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato-O,O′-)bis(triphenylphosphine oxide-O-)europium (Chemical formula 1), which is one of the fluorescent substances to be mentioned later. FIG. 3 shows an SEM image of a crystal of tris(4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedionato-O,O′-)bis(triphenylphosphine oxide-O-)europium (Chemical formula 2), which is one of the fluorescent substances to be mentioned later. FIG. 4 shows an SEM image of a crystal of tris(1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedionato)(1,10-phenanthroline)europium (III) (Chemical formula 5), which is one of the fluorescent substances to be mentioned later. FIG. 5 shows an SEM image of a crystal of 1,4-bis(2-benzoxazolyl)naphthalene (Chemical formula 6), which is one of the fluorescent substances to be mentioned later. FIG. 6 shows an SEM image of a crystal of tris(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato-O,O′-)bis(triphenylphosphine oxide-O-)terbium (Chemical formula 7), which is one of the fluorescent substances to be mentioned later. FIG. 7 shows an SEM image of a crystal of [hexadecakis(hexyl salicylate)octahydroxyl]dioxononaterbium triethylamine salt (Chemical formula 8), which is one of the fluorescent substances to be mentioned later. FIG. 8 shows an SEM image of a crystal of 2-(3-oxoisoindoline-1-ylidene)methylquinoline (Chemical formula 9), which is one of the fluorescent substances to be mentioned later. It can be seen that the particles of the fluorescent substances vary in size and shape, as also shown in FIGS. 2 to 8.

[0080] If fluorescent substances are blended into a fluid as they are, as they vary in size and shape, they move irregularly in the fluid, making it difficult to visualize the fluid motion/movement finely. The present invention does not use a fluorescent substance as it is as a crystal, but comprises a mixture including at least one fluorescent substance and a synthetic resin, is characterized by spherically-shaped fluorescent particles with the particle diameter of 10 nm-1 mm, lets the fluorescent particles move in a regular manner in the fluid, and enables fine visualization of the fluid motion/movement.

[0081] The fluorescent particles have the true density of 0.95 g/m.sup.3-1.58 g/m.sup.3, which is adjustable within this range.

[0082] The fluorescent particles may comprise additives for adjusting the true density.

[0083] Setting the true density of fluorescent particles close to the value of the true density of the fluid lets the fluorescent particles easily disperse in the fluid and move in the fluid in a regular manner, enabling fine visualization of the fluid motion/movement.

Fluorescent Substance

[0084] Preferably, the fluorescent substance included in the fluorescent particles comprises red-light emitting europium-based compounds, blue-light emitting naphthalene-based compounds, green-light emitting terbium-based compounds or quinoline-based compounds.

[0085] Europium-based compounds are europium complexes, and preferably include the compounds represented by following: tris(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato-O,O′-)bis(triphenylphosphine oxide-O-)europium; tris(4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedionato-O,O′-)bis(triphenylphosphine oxide-O-)europium; tris(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato-O,O′-)bis(trioctylphosphine oxide-O-)europium; tris(4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedionato-O,O′-)bis(trioctylphosphine oxide-O-)europium; or tris(1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedionato)(1,10-phenanthroline)europium (III).

##STR00006## ##STR00007##

[0086] Naphthalene-based compounds are compounds comprising naphthalene, and preferably include the compounds represented by following 1,4-bis(2-benzoxazolyl)naphthalene.

##STR00008##

[0087] Terbium-based compounds are terbium complexes, and preferably include the compounds represented by following: tris(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato-O,O′-)bis(triphenylphosphine oxide-O-)terbium; or [hexadecakis(hexyl salicylate)octahydroxyl]dioxononaterbium triethylamine salt.

##STR00009##

[0088] Quinoline-based compounds are compounds comprising quinoline, and preferably include the compounds represented by following 2-(3-oxoisoindoline-1-ylidene)methylquinoline.

##STR00010##

[0089] The above-mentioned europium-based compounds, naphthalene-based compounds, terbium-based compounds, and quinoline-based compounds are organic molecules which can utilize the energy from the emitted lights without wasting it at all, as they absorb the light energy efficiently and get excited. Also, it has excellent light-emitting capability, and can maintain the ability for a long period of time. Therefore, it is also preferably usable when long observation/inspection is necessary. Also, the excellence in luminescent ability enables easy discrimination from foreign substances and/or bubbles in the fluid.

[0090] Furthermore, as fluorescent substance, it is possible to use, but not limited to anthracene-based compounds, quinacridone-base compounds, coumarin-based compounds, dicyanomethylene-based compounds, distyryl derivatives, pyrene-based compounds, perimidone derivatives, perylene-based compounds, benzopyran derivatives, benzothioxanthene derivatives polyalkylthiophene derivatives, polydialkyl fluorene derivatives, polyparaphenylene derivatives, rubrene-based compounds, rhodaminine-based compounds, and rhodamine derivatives, etc.

Synthetic Resin

[0091] For synthetic resin contained in the fluorescent particles, it is possible to use thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin. For thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin, it is possible to use one or more selected from a group consisting of acrylic, polystyrene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), polyurethane, melamine, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, AS (acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer), polymethy methacrylate resin, polycarbonate, and polyester.

[0092] It is possible to adjust the true density of the fluorescent particles by using such types of multiple thermosetting resins or thermoplastic resins and altering the blending amount.

[0093] It is more preferable to use one or more thermoplastic resin selected from a group consisting of acrylic, polystyrene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, AS (acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer), polymethyl methacrylate resin, or polycarbonate. It is even more preferable that it is possible to use one or more thermoplastic resin selected from a group consisting of acrylic, polystyrene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), and polyurethane.

[0094] The thermoplastic resin, after being mixed with the fluorescent particles, is used to facilitate formation of a fluorescent particle into an almost spherical shape.

Inspection Device

[0095] An inspection device in the present embodiment is the inspection device for visualizing and inspecting fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present.

[0096] The inspection device comprises any of the above-mentioned fluorescent particles.

[0097] The inspection device visualizes and inspects the fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present, by using any of the above-mentioned fluorescent particles. Therefore, it is possible to finely visualize and inspect the fluid motion/movement by the fluorescent particles moving in a regular manner in the fluid, while preventing the object surrounding the fluid from getting painted with the fluorescent substance and suppressing halation caused by a reflection of visible lights at the object surrounding the fluid.

[0098] Also, this inspection device does not need to include an optical filter, because it is possible to prevent the object from getting painted with the fluorescent substances and getting excited by invisible lights as well as emitting lights, and because it is also possible to suppress halation caused by a reflection of visible lights at the object surrounding the fluid. Therefore, this inspection device can visualize the fluid motion/movement without degrading visibility.

[0099] The fluorescent particles included in the inspection device comprise first fluorescent particles, and second fluorescent particles which emit lights in a different color than what the first fluorescent particles do, and each of the first fluorescent particles and the second fluorescent particles could be the ones not mixed with the other. Alternatively, the fluorescent particles included in the inspection device comprise third fluorescent particles which emit lights in a different color than what the first and the second fluorescent particles do, and each of the first fluorescent particles, the second fluorescent particles and the third fluorescent particles could be the ones not mixed with any of the others. They further comprise the fourth and the fifth fluorescent particles having a different emitted color from each other's, which could be the ones not mixed with each other.

[0100] The fluorescent particles included in the inspection device comprise plural fluorescent particles which respectively emit lights in different colors, and none of the fluorescent particles emitting different colors can be mixed with any of the others. In this case with a multiphase flow where plural fluids are mixed together, by blending into each fluid the fluorescent particles which emit lights in a different color than others, it is possible to trace respective emitted colors of the fluorescent particles without turbidity, even after the plural fluids are mixed together.

[0101] The inspection device comprises one or more light source which it irradiates lights (ultraviolet lights or visible lights) with the ultraviolet wavelength of mainly 290 nm-405 nm.

[0102] As a light source, preferably, it is possible to use, but not limited, a laser device. Also, as a wavelength of the lights possible to irradiate by a device is fixed, the laser device may comprise plural light sources, such as, one laser device to irradiate ultraviolet lights and another to irradiate visible lights.

[0103] The inspection device comprises a lens which focuses or diffuses ultraviolet lights or visible lights irradiated from the light source.

[0104] By providing the device with the lens, it is possible to focus lights in locations where the fluid for visualization is present. Alternatively, by diffusing lights and irradiating the lights in a wider range, it is possible to visualize the fluid motion/movement in wide ranges of locations where fluid is present.

[0105] The inspection device comprises an imaging part which shoots the locations where fluid is present.

[0106] By the use of the imaging part, it is possible to record a movie of the visualized fluid motion/movement. By changing the recording speed (the number of recorded images per second) of the movie for recording, it is possible to visualize and inspect the fluid motion/movement even more finely.

[0107] Furthermore, it is possible to intensify the color of the light emitted by the fluorescent particles by adjusting the brightness of the recorded movie. For example, when the first fluid blended with the fluorescent particles emitting red lights and the second fluid blended with the fluorescent particles emitting green lights are mixed together, intensifying the red color makes it easier to trace the motion/movement of the first fluid after mixing. Also, when purple-colored visible lights are irradiated from the light source, intensifying the purple color allows to emphasize foreign substances and/or bubbles in the fluid.

Inspection Method

[0108] FIGS. 9A to 9C-FIG. 12 are schematic views showing the inspection method for visualizing and inspecting the fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present, in accordance with plural embodiments of the present invention.

[0109] The inspection method includes blending any of the above-mentioned fluorescent particles (1) into locations where fluid is present.

[0110] This inspection method visualizes and inspects the fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present, by using any of the above-mentioned fluorescent particles (1).

[0111] The inspection method comprises irradiating lights with the ultraviolet wavelength of mainly 290 nm-405 nm (ultraviolet lights or purple-colored visible lights) to the fluid blended with the fluorescent particles (1). In this step, it is preferable that a laser device, not limitedly, is used as the light source (3).

[0112] The inspection method includes observing the visible lights emitted from the fluorescent particles (1).

[0113] As shown in FIG. 9A, when visible lights with the wavelength longer than 405 nm (for example the one in red color with the wavelength of 650 nm) are irradiated from the light source (3), the fluorescent particles (1) are not excited but reflect the visible lights from the light source (3) as they are. Therefore, fluorescent particles (1) are visually recognized in the same color as that of the object (2).

[0114] As shown in FIG. 9B, when purple-colored visible lights are irradiated from the light source (3), the fluorescent particles (1) axe excited and emit lights, and visually recognized in a color emitted by the fluorescent particles (1). On the other hand, the object (2) is visually recognized in purple, as it reflects the purple-colored visual lights from the light source (3) as they are. As such, fluorescent particle (1) and the object (2) can be clearly discriminated, and the movement of the object (2), if affecting the fluid motion/movement, enables visualization of the fluid motion/movement, as well as observation and inspection of the object (2) movement.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 9C, in this inspection method, when ultraviolet lights are irradiated from the light source (3), it is possible to prevent the object (2) from getting painted with the fluorescent substances and getting excited by the invisible lights as well as emitting lights, and to suppress halation caused by a reflection of visible lights at the object (2) surrounding the fluid, and thus, it becomes easy to observe the boundary layer in the extreme proximity to the object (2) and the fluid.

[0116] Also, in this inspection method, it is possible to prevent the object (2) from getting painted with the fluorescent substances, and thus, it becomes easy to clean the object (2) after the inspection.

[0117] Also, this inspection method does not need to comprise an optical filter, because it is possible to prevent the object (2) from getting painted with the fluorescent substances and getting excited by invisible lights as well as from emitting lights, and because it is also possible to suppress halation caused by a reflection of visible lights at the object (2) surrounding the fluid. Therefore, this inspection method can visualize the fluid motion/movement without degrading visibility.

[0118] The inspection method may further comprise detecting foreign substances and/or bubbles (4) in fluid under lights irradiation as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 10A, when visible lights with the wavelength longer than 405 nm are irradiated from the light source (3), the fluorescent particles (1) are not excited but reflect the visible lights from the light source (3) as they are. Therefore, fluorescent particles (1), the object (2) and foreign substances and/or bubbles (4) are all visually recognized in the same color.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 10B, when purple-colored visible lights are irradiated from the light source (3), the fluorescent particles (1) are excited and emit limits, and visually recognized in a color emitted by the fluorescent particles (1). On the other hand, the object (2), and foreign substances and/or bubbles (4) are visually recognized in purple, as they reflect the purple-colored visual lights from the light source (3) as they are. As such, fluorescent particles (1), and foreign substances and/or bubbles (4) can be clearly discriminated.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 10C, when ultraviolet lights are irradiated from the light source (3), it is not possible to visually recognize the object (2), and foreign substances and/or bubbles (4), but it is possible to visually recognize only the fluorescent particles (1) which are excited and emitting colors. Hence, this inspection method enables observation and inspection of possible ingress of foreign substances in the fluid and/or possible gas generation if the fluid is a liquid.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D, the fluorescent particles (1) used in the inspection method may comprise first fluorescent particles (1a), and second fluorescent particles (1b) which emit lights in a different color than what the first fluorescent particles (1a) do. In this case, the inspection method comprises blending first fluorescent particles (1a) into a first fluid, blending second fluorescent particles (1b) into a second fluid, and mixing the first fluid blended with the first fluorescent particles (1a) and the second fluid blended with the second fluorescent particles (1b).

[0123] FIGS. 11A to 11D show the steps of adding the first fluid blended with the first fluorescent particles (1a) dropwise, and mixing it with the second fluid blended with the second fluorescent particles (1b).

[0124] FIGS. 11A and 11B show the cases when purple-colored lights are irradiated, where first fluorescent particles (1a) and second fluorescent particles (1b) emit lights and are visually recognized in different colors respectively. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are schematic views of before and immediately after adding a droplet dropwise respectively. Purple-colored visible lights then reflect at the fluid surface (5) of the first fluid and the second fluid. Hence, it is possible to visually recognize the fluid surface (5).

[0125] FIGS. 11C and 11D show the cases when ultraviolet lights are irradiated, where first fluorescent particles (1a) and second fluorescent particles (1b) emit lights and are visually recognized in different colors respectively. On the other hand, it is not possible to visually recognize the fluid surface (5), but it is easy to trace the first fluorescent particles (1a) and the second fluorescent particle (1b).

[0126] As shown in FIG. 12, fluorescent particles (1) used in the inspection method may comprise first fluorescent particles (1a), second fluorescent particles (1b) which emit lights in a different color than what the first fluorescent particles (1a) do, and third fluorescent particles (1c) which emit lights in a different color than what the first fluorescent particles (1a) nod the second fluorescent particles (1b) do. In this case, the inspection method comprises blending the first fluorescent particles (1a) into a first fluid, blending the second fluorescent particles (1b) into a second fluid, blending the third fluorescent particles (1c) into a third fluid, and mixing the first fluid blended with the first fluorescent particles (1a), the second fluid blended with the second fluorescent particles (1b), and the third fluid blended with the third fluorescent particles (1c).

[0127] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing visualization of multiphase flow of the fluids using the fluorescent particles (1a, 1b, 1c) emitting lights in three different colors respectively, when the three different fluids are put into a conduit from three respective inlets.

[0128] FIG 12 shows the case when ultraviolet lights are irradiated, where first fluorescent particles (1a), second fluorescent particles (1b), and third fluorescent particles (1c) emit lights in different colors respectively, and are visually recognizable. On the other hand, foreign substances and/or bubbles (4) and the object (2) (conduit) are not visually recognizable.

[0129] As shown in FIG 12, fluorescent particles (1) used in the inspection method may comprise first fluorescent particles (1a), second fluorescent particles (1b), and third fluorescent particles (1c) that emit lights in different colors respectively. In this case, by blending these fluorescent particles (1a, 1b, 1c) into different fluids respectively, it is possible to trace respective emitted colors of the fluorescent particles (1a, 1b, 1c) without turbidity, even after the plural fluids are mixed together.

[0130] Fluorescent particles (1) used in the inspection method may further comprise fourth and fifth fluorescent particles having respective emitted colors.

[0131] In the step of observing the visible lights emitted from fluorescent particles (1), it is preferable to use an imaging part for the observation.

[0132] By using the imaging part, it is possible to shoot a movie of the visualized fluid motion/movement. By changing the recording speed (the number of recorded images per second) of the movie for recording, it is possible to visualize and inspect the fluid motion/movement even more finely.

[0133] Furthermore, it is possible to intensify the color of the light emitted by the fluorescent particles (1) by adjusting, for example, the brightness of the recorded movie. For example, when the first fluid blended with the first fluorescent particles (1a) emitting red lights and the second fluid blended with the second fluorescent particles (1b) emitting green lights are mixed together, intensifying the red color make it easier to trace the motion/movement of the first fluid after mixing. Also, when purple-colored visible lights are irradiated from the light source (3), intensifying the purple color allows to emphasize foreign substances and/or bubbles (4) in fluid.

EXAMPLES

[0134] Hereinafter, examples for assessing the fluorescent particles in the present invention are shown, by which the effect of the present invention is made even clearer. The present invention, however, should not be construed to be limited to the aspects illustrated in the below Examples.

1. Manufacture of Fluorescent Particle

Example 1

[0135] A mixture was prepared with 0.5% of fluorescent substance emitting blue lights. Lumisys B-800 (Central Techno Corporation), and the rest which is acrylate resin. This mixture was sprayed and dried to produce fluorescent particles in an almost spherical shape with the mean particle diameter of 10 nm. The fluorescent particles were used as Example 1.

Example 2

[0136] A mixture was prepared with 0.5% of fluorescent substance emitting green lights, Lumisys G-3300 (Central Techno Corporation), and the rest which is acrylate resin. This mixture was sprayed and dried to produce fluorescent particles in an almost spherical shape with the mean particle diameter of 10 nm. The fluorescent particles were used as Example 2.

Example 3

[0137] A mixture was prepared with 0.5% of fluorescent substance emitting red lights, Lumisys E-1000 (Central Techno Corporation), and the rest which is acrylate resin. This mixture was sprayed and dried to produce fluorescent particles in an almost spherical shape with the mean particle diameter of 10 nm. The fluorescent particles were used as Example 3.

[0138] 2. Measurements of Excitation Spectrum and Fluorescence Spectrum

[0139] Excitation spectrum and fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescent particles of the above Examples 1-3 were measured by the spectrophotofluorometer F-4500 (Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation).

[0140] FIGS. 13A to 13C show the measurement results of the excitation spectrum and fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescent particles of Examples 1-3.

[0141] The peak wavelength of the excitation spectrum of the fluorescent particles of Example 1 shown in FIG. 13A was 361 nm, and the peak wavelength of the fluorescence spectrum was 429 nm. The peak wavelength of the excitation spectrum of the fluorescence particles of Example 2 shown in FIG. 13B was 375 nm, and the peak wavelength of the fluorescence spectrum was 510 nm. The peak wavelength of the excitation spectrum of the fluorescence particles of Example 3 shown in FIG. 13C was 326 nm, and the peak wavelength of the fluorescence spectrum was 615 nm.

[0142] It was found that the luminescence intensity of these fluorescent particles, in case of the excited lights being shorter than 290 nm or longer than 405 nm, was only one-fourth of the peak wavelength of the excited lights, and that it was difficult to visually recognize emitted colors of the fluorescent particles. In particular, when visible lights with the wavelength longer than 405 nm in specific were irradiated, the emitted light of the fluorescent particles were not reflected, but rather, the irradiated visible lights were reflected to enable the observation of fluorescent particles in the color of the irradiated visible lights.

3. Visualization Test for Fluid Motion/Movement

3-1. Purpose

[0143] The fluorescent particles of Example 2 were blended into a fluid, and a visualization test for fluid motion/movement was conducted. At the same time, Comparative Example 1 was prepared by blending into the fluid the fluorescent substance Lumisys G-3300 (Central Techno Corporation) as it was, and Comparative Example 2 was prepared by blending into the fluid resin particles (polystyrene) which do not contain fluorescent substance, to conduct the visualization test for fluid motion/movement.

3-2. Test Method

[0144] A circular flow channel was created by connecting a transparent acrylic channel and a pump with a rotational rotor, and water was poured in it. Example 2, Comparative Example 1, or Comparative Example 2 was blended into the water. Violet laser of 405 nm and purple-colored laser of 375 nm were respectively irradiated to this water, to conduct the visualization test for fluid motion/movement.

3-3. Result

[0145] In the visualization test for Example 2 with the purple-colored laser irradiated, it was possible to visualize the fluorescent particles, without the fluorescent particles attaching to the acrylic channel, having it painted or causing halation. On the other hand, with Comparative Example 1, observation was difficult due to the fluorescent particles attaching to the acrylic channel and having it painted. With Comparative Example 2, observation was not possible because Comparative Example 2 does not emit lights, although halation did not occur.

[0146] Also, for Example 2 with the violet laser irradiated, foreign substances, such as dust, and bubbles in the acrylic channel, as well as halation were observed in the same purple color as the violet laser's. At that time, the use of a filter which cut off the wavelength of the purple-colored visible lights made it possible to visualize only Example 2. On the other hand, with Comparative Example 1, observation of only Comparative Example 1 was difficult even with the use of the filter, due to the fluorescent particles attaching to a part of the acrylic channel and having it painted as well as the halation of the same wavelength as the fluorescent particles' caused in the painted area. With Comparative Example 2, observation of only Comparative Example 2 was not possible because all the foreign substances such as dust and bubbles, as well as the halation reflected the violet laser.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0147] The present invention can provide fluorescent particles which move in a regular manner in the fluid white preventing the object surrounding the fluid from getting painted with the fluorescent substance and suppressing halation caused by a reflection of visible lights at the object surrounding the fluid, to allow for visualization of the fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present; an inspection device for visualizing and inspecting the fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present by using the fluorescent particles; and an inspection method to visualize and inspect the fluid motion/movement in locations where fluid is present by using the fluorescent particles.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

[0148] 1 Fluorescent particles [0149] 1a first fluorescent particles [0150] 1b second fluorescent particles [0151] 1c third fluorescent particles [0152] 2 Object [0153] 3 Light source [0154] 4 Foreign substances and/or bubbles [0155] N Fluid surface

[0156] With those and other objects in view, the invention consists in the methods and the construction hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and set forth in the claims hereto appended, it being understood that various changes in the operation, form, proportion and minor details of construction, within the scope of the claims, may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.