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

[0018]According to some embodiments, the present invention may form part of a flotation process in mineral processing to aid in the separation of ore, including adding chemicals known as frothers to control the efficiency of the flotation process by enhancing the properties of air bubbles, or a mixing process for making concrete, including mixing concrete in a ready mix truck or in a stationary concrete mixer box, or a food process, including adding lysene for producing ice cream, or a cosmetics process for producing make-up, or a mixing process for producing paint or coating fluid.

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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