QCM flowmeter design and production

There are multiple methods are used for measuring the liquid flow today. These Industrialized flowmeter?s measurements are at macro level. However, thechniques which is used for biomedical applications are measuring the liquid flow rate at the micro level and are often expensive and need additional setup. There are no commercial product available for measuring the liquid flow rate using QCM (Quartz Crystal Microbalance). Although there are several studies done with QCM in liquid media, there are very few studies done for measurements under flow. These experimental studies are done to determine the liquid properties (i.e. viskozite) under flow rather than measuring the flow rate and not resulted as a product. In this thesis, goal is to design a flowmeter utilizing the frequency changes caused by flow rate of liquids flowing through the flow cell using QCM crystals. Also, Commertial value of the product is expected by using QCM during manufacturing. As part of this thesis; 1) Electronic circuit design 2) Flow Cell design 3) Frequencymeter design and 4)Computer Communication design are done. Oscillator circuits for QCM crystals to work and electronic circuits with LCD display for frequency measurements are designed and manufactured. Communication between electronic circuit and computer is provided and graphical user interface design is done for end users. A flow cell for QCM crystal to be placed into is designed and manufactured using acrylic material.