Flow Rate Control Research Articles

Evaluation of Surface Skimmer Flow Rates and Size Selection

A floating surface skimmer is a device used to dewater a sediment basin as it fills. The skimmer floats on the surface, draining the least turbid water as sediment falls out of suspension. An adjustable orifice on the skimmer regulates the filling and draining rate of the basin. After significant runoff events, skimmers slowly drain the basin over several days to maximize settling, while draining less turbid water from the top of the water column. Manufacturers have published data for products that customers can use to decide on the skimmer type, size, and orifice opening, but these design parameters tend to be very rough estimates with numerous assumptions. This study details a methodology for testing skimmers, including the materials, data collection process, and data analysis approach required to obtain the most accurate skimmer flow rate data. Testing was performed on a 15.2 cm (6.0 in.) post-construction stormwater skimmer prototype provided by J.W. Faircloth & Son, Inc., in an approximately 30 m3 (1000 ft3) evaluation tank. This skimmer used an adjustable sluice gate to control flow rate and had two barrel lengths. Six sluice gate opening sizes were tested three times for both barrel lengths, resulting in 36 tests performed. Experiments revealed that the skimmer had a capacity ranging from 0.03 m3/s (0.5 ft3/s) with a 2.54 cm (1.0 in.) opening and a capacity of 0.071 to 0.085 m3/s (2.5–3.0 ft3/s) with an opening of 15.2 cm (6.0 in.). Experimental results were then used to create a user-interactive skimmer sizing tool to provide more accurate information on sediment basin storage and drawdown times based on skimmer selection.

Energy Efficiency Optimization in Onboard SWRO Desalination Plants Based on a Genetic Neuro-Fuzzy System

This work presents a novel intelligent control system based on a Genetic Neuro-Fuzzy tool to optimize and improve the performance of a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant (SWRO) on board a marine vessel. This investigation pays special attention to minimizing energy consumption to improve the energy efficiency of this marine installation. The system analyzes measurements of different variables—seawater pH, seawater conductivity, permeate flow rate, permeate conductivity, and total energy consumed—in order to provide the most appropriate value of permeate flow rate control and operating pressure of the high-pressure pump (HPP). This intelligent method allows the plant to achieve output values nearer to the desired setpoints set by the plant operators.

Experimental assessment and modeling of radiant cooling technology using constant and variable water flow rate

The goal of this study is to perform an analysis of the performance of radiant cooling panels using experimental testing and transient system simulation software. The effect of design parameters such as water supply temperature and water flow rate on thermal comfort and energy efficiency is studied. Two control schemes are used in the study in which either the water flow rate or the water temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of radiant panels is held constant. This paper demonstrates the modeling and validation of a radiant cooling system in TRNSYS and uses this model to study the performance of the system during the cooling season in Egypt. It was found that the lower water temperature of 16 °C was found to be suitable for achieving thermal comfort. The constant water flow rate control scheme showed a 5% less unmet hours percentage than the constant water temperature difference, but the latter used 38% less electrical energy. A constant water temperature difference control scheme can achieve better thermal comfort with an unmet hours percentage down to 12.5% by coupling the system with a dehumidification device.

Gene knockdown in HaCaT cells by small interfering RNAs entrapped in grapefruit-derived extracellular vesicles using a microfluidic device

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) knockdown the expression of target genes by causing mRNA degradation and are a promising therapeutic modality. In clinical practice, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are used to deliver RNAs, such as siRNA and mRNA, into cells. However, these artificial nanoparticles are toxic and immunogenic. Thus, we focused on extracellular vesicles (EVs), natural drug delivery systems, for the delivery of nucleic acids. EVs deliver RNAs and proteins to specific tissues to regulate various physiological phenomena in vivo. Here, we propose a novel method for the preparation siRNAs encapsulated in EVs using a microfluidic device (MD). MDs can be used to generate nanoparticles, such as LNPs, by controlling flow rate to the device, but the loading of siRNAs into EVs using MDs has not been reported previously. In this study, we demonstrated a method for loading siRNAs into grapefruit-derived EVs (GEVs), which have gained attention in recent years for being plant-derived EVs developed using an MD. GEVs were collected from grapefruit juice using the one-step sucrose cushion method, and then GEVs-siRNA-GEVs were prepared using an MD device. The morphology of GEVs and siRNA-GEVs was observed using a cryogenic transmission electron microscope. Cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of GEVs or siRNA-GEVs to human keratinocytes were evaluated by microscopy using HaCaT cells. The prepared siRNA-GEVs encapsulated 11% of siRNAs. Moreover, intracellular delivery of siRNA and gene suppression effects in HaCaT cells were achieved using these siRNA-GEVs. Our findings suggested that MDs can be used to prepare siRNA-EV formulations.

Modelling Vineyard Spraying by Precisely Assessing the Duty Cycles of a Blast Sprayer Controlled by Pulse-Width-Modulated Nozzles

The flowrate control of spraying systems with pulse-width-modulated solenoid valves is currently being implemented for precision herbicide application in commodity crops, but solutions for fruit trees set in orchards that require higher pressures are mostly in the development stage. A reason for this has been the higher flowrate and pressure requirements of blast sprayers used for dense canopies typical of high value crops. In the present study, the duty cycles preset by an operator were compared to the actual ones estimated from measuring flowrates. A new developed air-assisted orchard sprayer with shelf hollow disc-cone nozzles was studied, such that flowrates and pressures were registered by a computer for different duty cycles commanded by an operator from 10% to 100% in intervals of 10%. In addition to sensor data, visual assessment was carried out via high-speed video images. The results showed that preset duty cycles were always more than 10% lower than the actual DC estimated from measured flowrates. The effective operational range of the duty cycles went from 20% to 80%. In general, the deviations in transitional periods were higher for lower duty cycles, being difficult to determine the real reduction in flowrate during the transition periods. A correction model has been proposed to adjust the preset duty cycles to make sure that the necessary spray flowrate is released as precisely commanded by prescription maps. Further research will be needed to verify the proper implementation of the developed correction model in field applications.

Modelling and performance evaluation of a direct steam generation solar power system coupled with steam accumulator to meet electricity demands for a hospital under typical climate conditions in Libya

This study aims to build a dynamic model of a direct steam generation (DSG) solar power system coupled with a steam accumulator to meet electricity demands for a hospital under transient environmental conditions in Libya. The main components of the system are DSG parabolic trough collectors, a steam accumulator, a turbine, a condenser and a circulation pump. The system is modelled via using Simulink\\Simscape software blocks with integrated MATLAB functions to run a dynamic simulation. As the simulation tool reflects the transient operation of the components, advanced control strategies were applied to the model. Using the proportional integral controller (PI controller), safe operation of the system is secured by pump flow rate control, safe turbine operation is provided by pressure control and power output is matched with the demand by using a throttle valve control. 1584 m2 solar collector area and 160 m3 total volume of pressurized steam tank are used in the simulation considering the electricity demand of the hospital and solar radiation in the location. The produced work output was controlled to match the demand profile of the hospital, which needs 200 kW in the peak period and 50 kW at the night. The designed system shows a maximum thermal efficiency of 23.5% for the operation condition.

Programmable vapor-phase metal-assisted chemical etching for versatile high-aspect ratio silicon nanomanufacturing

Defying the isotropic nature of traditional chemical etch, metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) has allowed spatially defined anisotropic etching by using patterned metal catalyst films to locally enhance the etch rate of various semiconductors. Significant progress has been made on achieving unprecedented aspect ratio nanostructures using this facile approach, mostly in solution. However, the path to manufacturing scalability remains challenging because of the difficulties in controlling etch morphology (e.g., porosity and aggregation) and etch rate uniformity over a large area. Here, we report the first programmable vapor-phase MacEtch (VP-MacEtch) approach, with independent control of the etchant flow rates, injection and pulse time, and chamber pressure. In addition, another degree of freedom, light irradiation is integrated to allow photo-enhanced VP-MacEtch. Various silicon nanostructures are demonstrated with each of these parameters systematically varied synchronously or asynchronously, positioning MacEtch as a manufacturing technique for versatile arrays of three-dimensional silicon nanostructures. This work represents a critical step or a major milestone in the development of silicon MacEtch technology and also establishes the foundation for VP-MacEtch of compound semiconductors and related heterojunctions, for lasting impact on damage-free 3D electronic, photonic, quantum, and biomedical devices.

Dust produced by plasma off normal event in the vacuum vessel: Experimental analyses of the deposition inside the pressure suppression tank during a LOCA

This paper deals with experimental tests simulating the dust deposition, produced in the Vacuum Vessel of the nuclear fusion reactor ITER, and carried by steam and gases inside the Pressure Suppression Tanks during a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA). The dust, mainly tungsten and beryllium, is produced by the erosion of the divertor or of the first wall due to plasma off-normal events, like plasma disruptions or vertical displacement events. The activity is performed in the frame of a research program performed at the University of Pisa, funded by the ITER Organization, for studying the behaviour of the Vacuum Vessel Pressure Suppression System (VVPSS). A reduced scale of VVPSS was built at the University of Pisa (1/32 geometrical scale). The experimental rig is composed by an electric steam generator and steam and air mass flow rate control lines. Steam with (or without) air is sent in a condensation container, partially filled with water. These fluids entrain a mass of dust measured by a dust mini-dosing system. The air and the non-condensed steam flow in the atmosphere through a demister and HEPA filters. A tests campaign was carried out injecting a simulant of the actual dust (aluminium oxide) in a flux of steam and air into the condensation tank. The tests were performed at different values of steam, air and dust mass flow rate. During the test, the dust concentration in the water was measured versus time, in order to determine the settling time. The dust deposition on the surfaces of the condensation tank was measured as well as the decontamination efficiency of the tank. The results demonstrated that about 99 % of dust is deposited on the tank surfaces and only a quantity less than 1 % is carried by the water during the tank discharge.

Study on Actuator Performance Evaluation of Aerial Water-Powered System for Firefighting Applications

In this study, we propose and analyze three designs of a novel aerial system that aims for autonomous firefighting missions in the body or border of water areas. In such areas, it is difficult and even dangerous for human firefighters, and firefighting robots, to approach and put out the fire. Thus, the systems proposed in this paper make use of the available water source not only for suppressing the fire, but also for propelling and maneuvering themselves. The three designs are different in their ways of actuating, namely flow rate control, nozzle rotation control, and weight distribution control. The designs are first introduced. Then, mathematical models are formulated and reveal the motion characteristics of each system. A linear control framework is developed and implemented for all of them. Simulation studies were conducted to verify their motion performance and subsequently, to select the best solution. The results indicate that the weight distribution control system struggled to follow the required reference while the two other designs both provided adequate maneuverability. The nozzle rotation control system is the better one, with greater tracking results of the head part and smaller fluctuations of the water hose.

Development of an Electrostatically Actuated Flow Rate Controller: Modeling and Characterization

This paper investigates the fluid–solid interaction in an electrostatic microvalve to control the flow rate. A double clamped microbeam which has been considered as a microvalve by imposing a DC voltage on it in a capacitive system, is deflected and hence changes the boundary conditions of the fluid domain. So, in each step of increasing the voltage, the Navier–Stokes and Euler–Bernoulli equations have been solved simultaneously. To overcome the difficulties of the finite element solution in moving boundaries of the fluid domain, after each step, a mapping approach has been accomplished. Silicon and dielectric elastomer (DE) have been adopted as the microbeam’s material and capability of them to control the flow rate has been compared. The results have shown that DE can be an attractive candidate for microvalve instead of silicon due to the decreasing required applied voltage for achievement for a certain flow rate. The presented results can be also useful for modeling the FSI problems with moving boundaries in the fluid domain, especially in the microvalve design applications.

Oyster mushroom drying efficiency using a solar dryer

Many countries are collaborating with developing nations to mitigate the challenges brought on by economic impact. Particularly Thailand, which emphasizes growth from the bottom up, fosters the growth of indigenous products by maximizing the potential of the region. The effectiveness of drying oyster mushrooms and the optimum drying period were assessed in this study. Six scenarios were created to examine the effectiveness of drying oyster mushrooms: two for a natural drying and four for solar drying with a controlled flow rate and ventilation area. The findings indicated that the drying temperature was 43.63 degree Celsius on average. When gathering information through sampling and comparing dried oyster mushrooms with the community product standard in terms of color, size, odor, cleanliness, and moisture content, it was found that all scenarios conformed to the standards, except for the color standard where the natural drying methods (scenario 1 and scenario 2) were darker than the standard. With a value of 37.69 percent in terms of thermal efficiency, scenario 5 (flow rate of 87.83 cubic meters per hour and ventilation area of 0.12 square meters) was discovered to be the best. Nevertheless, in order for community product development to be sustainable, all standards-compliant production is mandatory. The quality of the product also can be enhanced by choosing appropriate drying parameters, such as temperature and relative humidity.

Nanoparticles separation by different conditions at asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation

Abstract As semiconductor manufacturing enters the era of sub-10 nm and 3D stacking, “cleanliness” in the process becomes a crucial factor for process yield. The measurement of nanoparticle concentration, size, and shape in various solutions that may cause contamination during the manufacturing process is currently an important research topic. Although there are various nanoparticle measurement techniques available, further technological development and breakthroughs are still needed for measuring low concentrations and complex mixtures of nanoparticles. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to address the measurement challenges posed by mixed particles by applying asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation in combination with dynamic light scattering and ultraviolet. The strategy involved separating the samples before measurement. For a nanomixture containing five different sizes of gold nanoparticles with diameters of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 nm, three different methods were employed to control the driving force for particle separation during the elution stage: constant cross flow rate, linearly decreasing cross flow rate, and exponentially decreasing cross flow rate. The results demonstrated that different flow rate control methods indeed yielded variations in nanoparticle separation, with the constant flow rate method showing the best separation efficiency. Additionally, it was observed that the thickness of the experimental chamber played a significant role in affecting the retention time of the nanoparticles during separation.

Ions in the oxyfuel cutting flame due to work piece carbon

Experiments demonstrate that carbon in the work piece is a major source for secondary ions in the oxyfuel cutting flame. New sensing techniques replace traditional active sensors by monitoring the ion currents caused by the primary ions that are the natural byproducts of combustion, but secondary ions generated chemically at the work surface have been found to complicate the resulting signals. In the present work, ion currents through the oxyfuel flame are monitored while controlling for the addition of carbon in the outer flame. Wires of different carbon content are burned while holding all other conditions constant, and fluidized graphite dust is injected into the flame at controlled flow rates. Both experiments demonstrate that the addition of carbon in the outer cone dramatically enhances ion currents, but carbon in the material being burned is about twenty times more effective at producing ion currents.

Experimental and theoretical evaluation of a 60 kW PEM electrolysis system for flexible dynamic operation

Electrolysis systems based on low temperature PEM cells have fast ramp rate and load-following capability that makes them suitable to provide services to the power grid, whose reliability is hindered by the increasing deployment of dynamic and non-controllable renewable energy sources. Flexible operation of the complete electrolysis unit is influenced by system design and auxiliaries: this work provides an insight on the dynamics of integrated components, aiming at the enhancement of the flexible operation of an industrial-scale PEM electrolysis system. A numerical dynamic model of a complete electrolysis unit is implemented with the software Simulink, combining customized dynamic models of the main balance of plant components. Mass and energy balances are solved during variable load operation, while PI–type and on–off controllers are included for system operation control. The electrolysis stack performance depends on semi-empirical polarization curves, reflecting voltage dependance on temperature, pressure, and current density. The solved transients of the device provide original indications for increasing the dynamic performance of the system.A 60 kWe commercial unit is tested to validate the model, assessing its nominal and partial load performance. The experimental data confirm the capability of the system to work at partial load without relevant deviations in the stack temperature and pressure. Despite the lower specific consumption of the stack at partial load, the system shows an increase in the average net specific consumptions when the load decreases toward its minimum (from 67 kWhe/kgH2 above 1A/cm2 to 140kWhe/kgH2 at 0.3A/cm2).The simulation results and the experimental data are in good agreement, confirming the prediction capacities of the model with a good accuracy. Among the different investigated operation strategies, the strongest reduction in average net specific consumption at partial load is given by the control of water flowrate to the stack (110 kWhe/kgH2 at 0.3 A/cm2) or of the hydrogen dryer regeneration (70 kWhe/kgH2 at 0.3 A/cm2). These are the suggested points to be investigated for further improvements of fast-changing load systems.

Thermal modeling of the respiratory turbinates in arctic and subtropical seals

Mammals possess complex structures in their nasal cavities known as respiratory turbinate bones, which help the animal to conserve body heat and water during respiratory gas exchange. We considered the function of the maxilloturbinates of two species of seals, one arctic (Erignathus barbatus), one subtropical (Monachus monachus). By means of a thermo-hydrodynamic model that describes the heat and water exchange in the turbinate region we are able to reproduce the measured values of expired air temperatures in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), a species for which experimental data are available. At the lowest environmental temperatures, however, this is only possible in the arctic seal, and only if we allow for the possibility of ice forming on the outermost turbinate region. At the same time the model predicts that for the arctic seals, the inhaled air is brought to deep body temperature and humidity conditions in passing the maxilloturbinates. The modeling shows that heat and water conservation go together in the sense that one effect implies the other, and that the conservation is most efficient and most flexible in the typical environment of both species. By controlling the blood flow through the turbinates the arctic seal is able to vary the heat and water conservation substantially at its average habitat temperatures, but not at temperatures around −40 °C. The subtropical species has simpler maxilloturbinates, and our model predicts that it is unable to bring inhaled air to deep body conditions, even in its natural environment, without some congestion of the vascular mucosa covering the maxilloturbinates. Physiological control of both blood flow rate and mucosal congestion is expected to have profound effects on the heat exchange function of the maxilloturbinates in seals.

Air-Pinch PWM Valve to Regulate Flow Rate of Hollow-Cone Nozzles for Variable-Rate Sprayers

Highlights Air-pinch PWM valve was investigated as an alternative to electric PWM valves to manipulate hollow-cone nozzles. Air-pinch and electric PWM valves performed comparable accuracy in flow rate modulations. Droplet sizes from hollow-cone nozzles with both PWM valves were comparable across DUCs ranging from 20% to 100%. Air-pinch PWM valve had great potential of use due to its capacity to isolate the internal parts of the valve from chemicals. Abstract. Electric pulse width modulation (PWM) solenoid valves are commonly used to regulate nozzle flow rates to achieve precision variable-rate spray applications. However, some pesticide formulations, such as wettable powders and adhesive additives, can potentially cause a malfunction such that the valve cannot completely shut off during flow rate modulation if spray lines are not cleaned thoroughly after spray applications. An air-pinch PWM valve was evaluated as a potential alternative to conventional PWM valves to modulate the flow rates of hollow-cone nozzles used on air-assisted orchard sprayers. With the air-pinch valve, spray mixtures only passed through a flexible tube to avoid chemicals directly contacting the moving components inside the valve chamber. The flow rate modulation was performed by pinching and releasing the tube back and forth with air-pilot PWM actions. Evaluations included the flow rate modulation capability along with droplet size distributions from three disc-core hollow-cone nozzles coupled with the PWM pinch valve and compared with a conventional electric PWM valve. Both air-pinch and electric PWM valves performed comparably in the flow rate modulation accuracy and droplet size distribution for hollow-cone nozzles operated at 414 and 827 kPa pressures across the duty cycles (DUCs) ranging from 10% to 100%, except for the air-pinch valve that could not activate at 10% DUC. The flow rates of nozzles modulated with both PWM valves at all DUCs were 5.3% greater on average than the target flow rates, while the flow rates were similar at 90% and 100% DUCs. Droplet size classifications based on ASABE Standard S-572.3 were generally consistent across DUCs ranging from 20% to 100% for the same nozzle and pressure with the air-pinch PWM valve and from 10% to 100% with the conventional electric PWM valve. The consistency of droplet sizes across DUCs and accuracy of flow rate modulations demonstrated the potential advantage of using the air-pinch PWM solenoid valve as an alternative for precision variable-rate sprayers to accurately apply different chemicals. Keywords: Droplet size, Flow rate control, Pesticide, Pinch valve, Precision farming, Pulse width modulation.

Energy efficient supply of cutting fluids in machining by utilizing flow rate control

To reduce the ecological impact of machining, it becomes more and more urgent to identify and implement energy saving measures in machine tools. Especially, process cooling offers considerable savings potential due to its high share in the total energy demand of machine tools. This article presents the development and experimental analysis of a flow rate control for cutting fluid supply in machine tools. By using the developed approach, the total energy demand of the machine tool during machining could be reduced by up to 45% without negatively affecting workpiece quality nor tool life.

Intrapore Geometry and Flow Rate Controls on the Transition of Non‐Fickian to Fickian Dispersion

AbstractHydraulic heterogeneity leads to non‐Fickian transport characteristics, which cannot be entirely accounted for by the continuum‐scale advection‐dispersion equation. In this pore‐scale computational study, we investigate the combined effects of flow rate (i.e., Peclet number, Pe) and first‐order hydraulic heterogeneity, that is, resulting from intrapore geometry exclusively, on the transition from non‐Fickian to Fickian dispersion. A set of intrapore geometries is designed and quantified by a dimensionless pore geometry factor (β), which accounts for a broad range of pore shapes likely found in nature. Navier‐Stokes and Advection‐Diffusion equations are solved numerically to study the transport phenomenon using velocity variance, residence time distribution, and coefficients of hydrodynamic dispersion and dispersivity. We determine the length scale (i.e., the linear distance in flow direction) for each pore shape and Pe when non‐Fickian features transition to the Fickian transport regime by incrementally extending the length, that is, the linear array of pores. We show how velocity distribution and variance (σ2) depend on β, and directly control the transition to Fickian dispersion. Pores with a larger β, that is, complex pore shapes with constricted pore‐body or with “slit‐type” attributes, result in a substantial non‐Fickian characteristics. The magnitude of non‐Fickian characteristics gets amplified with an increase in Pe requiring a significantly longer length scale, that is, up to 1 m or a linear array of 500 pores to transition to the Fickian transport regime. We find the hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient (Dh) exponentially depends on the pore shape factor β, with its exponent dependent on flow rate or Pe. We determine constitutive relations to quantify how σ2, β, and Pe, contribute to the degree of non‐Fickian characteristics, the length scale needed for the transition to Fickian transport regime, asymptotic Dh, and the length‐scale dependence of longitudinal dispersivity.

THERMAL STUDY OF COOLANT CIRCUITS OF BUILT-IN DEPHLEGMATORS OF DIABATIC DISTILLATION COLUMN

Diabatic distillation by using additional heat exchangers in the stages can significantly increase the energy efficiency of the column compared to adiabatic distillation. The paper proposes a calculation method for the condensation of ascending vapors on the tube surface of dephlegmators that are internally integrated on the trays of a multistage distillation column. The influence of parallel and series circuits of the coolant water supply to the dephlegmators on the technological parameters of the diabatic distillation unit is evaluated. For three types of coolant circuits, the following parameters are determined: thermal power, coolant temperature at the outlet of the tube dephlegmator, wall temperature on the condensate side, convective heat transfer coefficients, overall heat transfer coefficients, and thermal resistances on each tray of the distillation column. The results show that the parallel circuit to supply coolant water to the internal dephlegmators is the most suitable, providing the control of water flow rate on each tray and obtaining of the required temperature profile for height of the column to achieve the maximum efficiency of the separation process. For the parallel circuit, the heat transfer resistance can be concentrated in the heat transfer from both the coolant water to the wall of the dephlegmator tubes and the liquid condensed on the outer surface of these tubes.

Simultaneous Control of Venous Reservoir Level and Arterial Flow Rate in Cardiopulmonary Bypass With a Centrifugal Pump.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an indispensable technique in cardiac surgery, providing the ability to temporarily replace cardiopulmonary function and create a bloodless surgical field. Traditionally, the operation of CPB systems has depended on the expertise and experience of skilled perfusionists. In particular, simultaneously controlling the arterial and venous occluders is difficult because the blood flow rate and reservoir level both change, and failure may put the patient's life at risk. This study proposes an automatic control system with a two-degree-of-freedom model matching controller nested in an I-PD feedback controller to simultaneously regulate the blood flow rate and reservoir level. CPB operations were performed using glycerin and bovine blood as perfusate to simulate flow-up and flow-down phases. The results confirmed that the arterial blood flow rate followed the manually adjusted target venous blood flow rate, with an error of less than 5.32%, and the reservoir level was maintained, with an error of less than 3.44% from the target reservoir level. Then, we assessed the robustness of the control system against disturbances caused by venting/suction of blood. The resulting flow rate error was 5.95%, and the reservoir level error 2.02%. The accuracy of the proposed system is clinically satisfactory and within the allowable error range of 10% or less, meeting the standards set for perfusionists. Moreover, because of the system's simple configuration, consisting of a camera and notebook PC, the system can easily be integrated with general CPB equipment. This practical design enables seamless adoption in clinical settings. With these advancements, the proposed system represents a significant step towards the automation of CPB.