Yerworth, RJ

This thesis demonstrates the design, commissioning and use of systems for the imaging of absorbent incontinence products in real time. The primary aim was to create tools with which to study the interaction of fluids with incontinence pads as an aid to the development of more effective products. Three imaging systems were developed that together form a flexible toolbox of complementary techniques that have been validated using clinical data. Most of the work concentrated on an optical imaging system for laboratory and clinical use. The development of this system is described from the initial concept, through the design stage, to the commissioning and use of this technique. The system uses an array of sensors that, for laboratory work, can be embedded in a simple flat holder or a curved holder representing the lower portion of the human torso. For clinical work the sensors have been incorporated into a ribbon cable. Data can be displayed in various formats depending on the information required. These data presentation techniques range from image sequences of the fluid spread, wet area versus time curves or single characterising numbers. The two other techniques can provide complementary information. X-ray imaging, reveals finer details of structures within the materials, but cannot be used clinically, while resistive imaging is used for clinical validation of laboratory results but is time consuming to use and only yields binary (dry or wet) information from each sensor. In order to control fluid application a specialised fluid delivery system was designed and built during this project. This device is temperature controlled and capable of replicating a wide range of physiologically realistic flow-rate/time profiles. Data from laboratory studies using the optical imaging device show clearly identifiable differences in performance between products. The effect of using different postures and flow-rate/time profiles has also been demonstrated

Real time imaging of fluid flow in porous and absorbent materials

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