Method and apparatus for determining gvf (gas volume fraction) for aerated fluids and liquids in flotation tanks, columns, drums, tubes, vats

Abstract

The invention provides a signal processor that receives a signal containing information about an acoustic signal that is generated by at least one acoustic transmitter, that travels through an aerated fluid in a container, and that is received by at least one acoustic receiver arranged in relation to the container, including inside the container; and determines the gas volume fraction of the aerated fluid based at least partly on the speed of sound measurement of the acoustic signal that travels through the aerated fluid in the container. The signal processor also sends an output signal containing information about the gas volume fraction of the aerated fluid. The signal processor may be configured together with at least one acoustic transmitter, the at least one acoustic receiver, or both.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 311,993, filed 9 Mar. 2010 (WFVA / CiDRA file nos. 712-2.338 / 35); and Ser. No. 61 / 312,023, filed 9 Mar. 2010 (WFVA / CiDRA file nos. 712-2.340 / 37), and Ser. No. 61 / 448,443, filed 2 Mar. 2011 (WFVA / CiDRA file nos. 712-2.353 / 47 and 51), which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of Invention[0003]This invention relates to a technique for determining gas volume fraction (GVF) of an aerated fluid or liquid in a flotation tank, column or container; and more particularly related to a technique for determining gas volume fraction (GVF) of an aerated fluid or liquid in a flotation tank, column or container in order to control a process related to the aerated fluid or liquid.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]In the prior art, the use of a method for the determination of the flow rate of the medium through a meas...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides new techniques for determining the gas volume fraction of an aerated fluid or liquid in a container. This is achieved by using an apparatus that includes a signal processor, an acoustic transmitter, an acoustic receiver, and a probe inside the container. The apparatus receives signals containing information about the acoustic signal that travels through the aerated fluid and is received by the acoustic receiver. The signal processor analyzes the speed of sound measurement to determine the gas volume fraction of the aerated fluid. The invention can be used in various processes such as mineral processing, mixing concrete, and controlling the flotation process. The apparatus can be installed inside or outside the container, and the acoustic transmitter can be a piezoelectric material or a mechanical impulse. The invention provides a more accurate and efficient way to control the process and improve the quality of the products involved.

Problems solved by technology

However, the entrained air in concrete has the disadvantage of reducing strength so there is always a trade-off to determine the right amount of air for a particular application.

Current methods for measuring the entrained air can sometimes be slow and cumbersome and additionally can be prone to errors.

Too little entrained air reduces the durability of the concrete and too much entrained air decreases the strength.

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