Fluid characteristic sensor and method having superimposed vibrations

Abstract

The fluid characteristics sensors described herein may include a resonator configured to be immersed in a fluid or fluid medium, and a vibrator coupled to the resonator such that its vibrations are transmitted to the resonator, for example, to prevent and / or remove accumulation or deposits on the resonator and / or to improve the accuracy of the sensor. The frequency of the vibrator is configured to be significantly lower than the frequency of the resonator so as not to adversely affect the operation of the resonator. The vibrator may be located inside, outside, or in the chassis of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross Reference The following application and document is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 518,450, filed August 9, 2023.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for fluid property sensors.

Background Art

[0003] Vibrating fluid property sensors often experience reading distortion when fluid contacting the sensor forms an adherent film or solid deposit on the surface of the sensor. Various methods are known in the art that attempt to prevent or remove these deposits in situ, the most common of which is coating the fluid-facing surface of the sensor with a low surface energy coating such as PTFE. Such coatings tend to erode over time, particularly in the presence of abrasive materials suspended in the fluid that comes into contact with the coating.

[0004] It is also known that adherent deposits are more likely to form when the fluid-facing surface of a fluid property sensor is immersed in static fluid rather than flowing or agitated fluid, or is located in an area where flow is stagnant, thus creating a quasi-static flow field even when bulk fluid passes the sensor.

[0005] It is known in the prior art that for the purpose of preventing material deposition or removing deposited material, deposition of material on such vibrating fluid property sensors can be reduced by vibrating the surface of such sensor in a manner that there is always substantial movement of fluid in intimate contact with the sensor surface, creating a large velocity gradient in the immediate vicinity of the surface. A typical method for reducing or removing these deposits is by exciting ultrasonic vibration in the sensor, which, by virtue of their high frequency (above 20 kHz), tend to produce high shear rates in fluid in intimate contact with the thus excited sensor surface.

[0006] Furthermore, measuring and analyzing the rheological properties of complex non-Newtonian fluids, such as structured fluids, often requires detailed rheological investigations involving one or more delicate and precise experimental instruments and trained experimental technicians, making it impractical to perform rheological investigations as an online consistency control method. Therefore, improvements to fluid property sensors that enable consistent measurements of complex fluids would be beneficial. [Overview of the project]

[0007] This disclosure provides systems, apparatus, and methods relating to improved fluid property sensors, which may include sensors configured to measure one or more properties of a fluid medium, such as a liquid, gas, powder, granular material, suspension, or gel. In this disclosure, the term “fluid” may, in some cases, be used interchangeably with the term “fluid medium” or “fluidity medium.”

[0008] The fluid properties sensor of this disclosure may include: a resonant fluid properties sensor coupled to a sensor chassis and configured to operate at a first frequency; a support structure coupled to the sensor chassis and configured to support the sensor chassis when the resonant fluid properties sensor is immersed in a fluid or fluid medium; and an oscillator coupled to the sensor chassis and configured to vibrate at a second frequency and transmit the vibrations through the chassis to the resonant fluid properties sensor.

[0009] A method for measuring one or more fluid properties according to the present disclosure may include immersing a resonant fluid property sensor in a fluid or fluid medium, measuring one or more properties of the fluid or fluid medium using a resonant fluid property sensor configured to operate at a resonant frequency, and transmitting vibrations at a second frequency lower than the resonant frequency to the resonant fluid property sensor.

[0010] The sensors of this disclosure offer several advantages and benefits over known solutions for measuring fluid properties. For example, the embodiments and examples described herein may have one or more of the following advantages: • Enables reliable, reproducible, stable, and online measurement of process-related fluid behavior in conditions where highly non-Newtonian behavior exists under variable flow modes, and in fluids that tend to deposit on sensors. • Enables a self-cleaning mechanism to prevent accumulation on the sensor, thereby maintaining its resonant characteristics and calibration without the need for recalibration after exposure to fluid. • By controlling the amplitude and frequency of superimposed vibrations to prevent large stresses in the sensor's resonant structure and avoid signal saturation or distortion from the resonator, the superimposed vibrations are ensured that they do not interfere with the sensor's primary role of providing accurate and reproducible fluid measurements. • Enables rapid sensor recovery after the cleaning phase, allowing for accurate measurements before further deposits occur.

[0011] These and other features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of this disclosure or in combination in yet other embodiments, and further details can be found by referring to the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid property sensor according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 depicts fluid density and viscosity measurements obtained by the sensor operating in intermittent cleaning mode. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the first exemplary fluid characteristic sensor, which is an example of the sensor shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a side view of a second exemplary fluid property sensor, another example of the sensor shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5]This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method for measuring the properties of a fluid using a sensor according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Various embodiments and examples of improved fluid property sensors, as well as related methods, are described below and illustrated in the relevant drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the sensors and / or various components thereof relating to the teachings of the present invention may include at least one of the structures, components, functions, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the process steps, structures, components, functions, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein in connection with the teachings of the present invention may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between the disclosed embodiments. The descriptions of various examples below are essentially illustrative and are not intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or use. Furthermore, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are essentially illustrative, and not all examples and embodiments provide the same or comparable advantages.

[0014] This detailed explanation includes the following sections: (1) Definition, (2) Overview, (3) Examples, Components, and Alternatives, (4) Advantages, Features, and Benefits, and (5) Conclusion. The Examples, Components, and Alternatives section is further divided into subsections, each appropriately labeled.

[0015] definition Unless otherwise specified, the following definitions apply in this specification.

[0016] "To include," "to contain," and "to have" (and their conjugations) are interchangeable terms meaning "to include but not necessarily limited to," and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude further unlisted elements or method steps.

[0017] Terms such as "first", "second" and "third" are used to distinguish or identify various members of groups, etc., and are not intended to indicate a sequential or numerical limitation.

[0018] "AKA" means "also known as", and may be used to indicate alternative or corresponding terms for one or more given elements.

[0019] "Coupled" means connected, either directly or indirectly through intervening components, whether permanently or releasably.

[0020] "Elastic" refers to a material or structure configured to elastically deform in response to normal operating loads (for example, when compressed) and return to its original shape or position when the load is released.

[0021] "Processing logic" refers to any suitable device or hardware configured to process data by performing one or more logical and / or arithmetic operations (for example, executing coded instructions). For example, processing logic may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, a cluster of processing cores, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any other suitable combination of logic hardware.

[0022] A "controller" or "electronic controller" includes processing logic programmed with instructions for carrying out control functions related to a control element. For example, an electronic controller can be configured to receive an input signal, compare the input signal with a selected reference value or setpoint, and determine an output signal to a control element (e.g., a motor or actuator) to provide a corrective action based on the comparison. In another example, an electronic controller can be configured to interface between a host device (e.g., a desktop computer, mainframe, etc.) and a peripheral device (e.g., a memory device, input / output device, etc.) to control and / or monitor input signals and output signals to and from the peripheral device.

[0023] In the present disclosure, one or more publications, patents, and / or patent applications may be incorporated by reference. However, such material is incorporated only to the extent that no conflict exists between the incorporated material and the statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of any such conflict, including a conflict in terminology, the present disclosure shall control.

[0024] Summary Generally, resonant fluid property sensors utilize vibrations induced in a resonator element. The resonant properties of the resonator are altered by the fluid being measured such that one or more properties (e.g., viscosity) of the fluid can be determined. When the sensor is in contact with fluid, physical accumulation of material on the sensor may occur, leading to measurement errors. The sensor of the present disclosure includes one or more self-cleaning features configured to prevent and remove deposition of adhered materials from the fluid. For example, to clean the sensor and prevent accumulation, additional vibrational excitation can be applied to the sensor, for example via superimposed vibration. To maintain proper function, such additional vibrational excitation is incorporated under the following conditions: · The superimposed vibration does not damage or adversely affect the sensor, preserves its resonant characteristics, and maintains calibration without the need for recalibration after exposure to the cleaning vibration. • Superimposed vibrations do not interfere with the sensor's primary role of providing accurate and reproducible fluid measurements. This can be achieved by ensuring that superimposed vibrations do not affect measurements during operation, or by alternating superimposed vibrations with the sensor's operating period.

[0025] To avoid damage and adverse effects, the amplitude and frequency of superimposed vibrations are controlled to prevent large stresses in the sensor's resonant structure. These stresses, if present, can excite resonant modes, potentially leading to plastic deformation or fatigue-related failure. Therefore, the systems and methods of this disclosure ensure that the superimposed vibrations remain outside the bandwidth of the vibration modes of the resonant structure, or, if within the bandwidth, maintain an amplitude low enough to avoid damage or permanent adverse effects.

[0026] To avoid interaction with transducer mechanisms that would alter sensor readings, the coupling between the superimposed vibrations and the sensor's resonant mechanism, including the electronic devices used for excitation and measurement, is designed to avoid saturation or distortion of the signal returned to the sensor's electronic devices. This ensures that the frequency of the superimposed vibrations remains outside the measurement bandwidth of the resonant system, or, if within the measurement bandwidth, that the motion amplitude remains low enough to prevent superposition of nonlinear signals.

[0027] In examples where sensing and cleaning operations are performed alternately, the system and method of this disclosure ensure that the measuring system recovers from its inactive state immediately after the cleaning phase during the sensing phase. This rapid recovery enables accurate measurements before any deposits that could distort the readings occur.

[0028] Generally, the manufacturing and application of fluid products are greatly influenced by the fluid's consistency. Many fluids have complex rheological properties, which, in combination, contribute to the fluid's consistency and, for example, its subjective and objective behavior in its storage and application forms. For instance, the consistency / fluid properties of a sauce, such as tomato ketchup, determine how it flows out of its container. For example, while ketchup is expected to flow easily from the bottle during application, it behaves differently at rest, not immediately flowing out of food items to which it has accumulated.

[0029] In such examples, the source is expected to behave as a pourable fluid in the first situation and as a structured fluid with a non-zero yield stress in the second situation, maintaining its form without flowing under gravity. Due to this complex behavior, a complete characterization of a fluid such as tomato ketchup would require a detailed rheological investigation, which would necessitate one or more delicate and precise experimental instruments and, for example, a trained experimental technician, and performing a rheological investigation as an online consistency control method may not be practical.

[0030] Similar considerations apply to other non-Newtonian fluids, such as ceramic slurries used to form shells in investment castings, and printing inks used in high-speed flexographic and gravure printing processes. Further in this category are battery electrode slurries, sealants, adhesives, food products, and numerous other products, all of which are expected to behave in predictable ways under the flow conditions found in industrial and / or personal applications.

[0031] When such fluids are manufactured or applied in industrial processes, maintaining consistent flow behavior is paramount. For example, despite the complex flow behavior of investment casting slurries, single-point measurement of apparent viscosity using an outlet cup (Zaan cup or similar device) remains the standard method. Such measurements are performed sporadically and manually, and generally have low accuracy and repeatability. To produce high-quality casting shells, the consistency of the slurry must be precisely controlled, which can only be roughly approximated by outlet cup measurements.

[0032] Generally, vibratory fluid property sensors function by immersing a resonant element in a fluid and measuring the fluid's influence on the resonant behavior of the resonant element, such as its resonant frequency and damping. The sensing device typically provides a single point value of the fluid's viscosity and / or density, as well as its temperature. However, due to the periodic vibration of the resonator, the shear behavior of the fluid in contact with the resonator is not precisely determined. Therefore, the fluid property measurements provided by the sensor are, at best, average values ​​over a range of shear rates, and thus not precisely determined rheologically accurate measurements. Instead, these measurements reflect the fluid's "concentration."

[0033] Furthermore, sensors are expected to measure fluid consistency under various flow modes. Fluids may be stationary, for example, in a storage tank; agitated, for example, in a mixing vessel; or under steady and / or pulsating flow in connecting pipes that transmit fluid between several locations in a complex process. Fluids with yield stress behave as solids when stationary and as liquids when their shear stress exceeds the yield stress. Yield stress typically relates to transient structures formed within stationary fluids, such as gels, which are temporarily or permanently destroyed or altered when subjected to shear forces exceeding the yield stress. In such cases, the fluid exhibits different behavior when stationary, agitated in a mixer, and / or flowing through pipes. Online sensors typically produce different measurements for the same fluid when inserted into process points where the fluid exhibits different flow modes.

[0034] A further challenge in performing useful single-point online measurements of fluid properties is that many fluids tend to deposit solid or semi-solid material on resonant sensors. Such deposits typically alter the measurements delivered by the sensor, causing the measurements to deviate from values ​​that reflect the behavior of the bulk fluid that deposited the material. Deposits can lead to sensor drift, level shift, or even malfunction.

[0035] The systems and methods of this disclosure provide reliable, reproducible, stable, and online measurements of process-related fluid behavior in conditions where highly non-Newtonian behavior exists under variable flow modes, and in fluids that tend to deposit on sensors.

[0036] The system and method disclosed herein relate to a resonant fluid property sensor having one or more of the following features: • A resonance sensing element including a fluid-impermeable housing that contains a transducer. A device configured to generate a periodic, large-amplitude motion in a resonant sensing element by superimposing vibrations of appropriate amplitude and frequency onto the resonant sensing element. In some examples, the oscillator and resonator have the same structure but are driven at different frequencies and / or amplitudes. • Superimpose vibrations of a sufficiently large amplitude to remove any deposited material from the sensing element that may interfere with its sensing function. • Use of a balanced torsional resonator, such as the one described in U.S. Patent No. 9,267,872, as a sensing element that is less susceptible to external vibrations and does not require a large mounting structure. • The sensor system's self-cleaning function is configured to operate in a way that does not damage the sensor or affect its calibration and measurement. The resonant sensor is fixed to one end of a rigid tube that acts as a structure for transmitting cleaning vibrations to the sensor. • The vibration generating mechanism is located inside a rigid tube, causing the entire structure to vibrate and clean the sensor. • The cleaning vibration is at a lower frequency than the measurement mode of the resonant sensor, which prevents fatigue-induced damage and does not interfere with the sensor's measurement. The large frequency separation between this effective cleaning vibration and the mode frequency of the balanced torsional resonator simplifies the electronic processing of the signal.

[0037] Embodiments of a sensor (e.g., a controller of a sensor system) can be embodied as a computer method, a computer system, or a computer program product. Thus, embodiments of a sensor can take the form of a purely hardware embodiment, a purely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware embodiments, all of which may be generally referred to herein as “circuits,” “modules,” or “systems.” Furthermore, embodiments of a sensor can take the form of a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium (or media) in which computer-readable program code / instructions are embodied.

[0038] Any combination of computer-readable media may be used. Computer-readable media may be computer-readable signal media and / or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media may include electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and / or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include electrical connections with one or more wires, portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable miniature disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and / or any suitable combination thereof. In connection with this disclosure, computer-readable storage media may include any suitable non-temporary tangible medium on which programs used by or in connection with instruction execution systems, apparatus, or devices can be stored or remembered.

[0039] Computer-readable signaling media may include, for example, propagating data signals in which computer-readable program code is embodied as part of a baseband or carrier wave. Such propagating signals may take any of a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic, optical, and / or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signaling media may include any computer-readable medium on which programs for use by or in connection with instruction execution systems, apparatus, or devices that are not computer-readable storage media can communicate, propagate, or transmit.

[0040] Program code embodied in a computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, and / or any suitable combination thereof.

[0041] Computer program code for executing the operation of the sensor's characteristics can be written in one or any combination of programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java and C++), traditional procedural programming languages ​​(such as C), and functional programming languages ​​(such as Haskell). Mobile applications can be developed using the aforementioned languages, as well as any suitable language, including Objective-C, Swift, C#, and HTML5. The program code can run entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can connect to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), and / or connect to an external computer (for example, via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0042] The embodiments of the sensor may be described below with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams illustrating methods, apparatus, systems, and / or computer program products. Each block and / or combination of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. Computer program instructions are programmed into or otherwise provided to a processor of processing logic (e.g., a general-purpose computer, an application-specific computer, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable data processing device) to generate a machine such that (e.g., machine-readable) instructions executed via the processing logic provide means for implementing the functions / operations specified in the blocks(s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0043] Furthermore, or alternatively, these computer program instructions can be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct processing logic and / or any other suitable device to function in a particular manner, and thus instructions stored in a computer-readable medium can generate a product containing instructions that implement functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0044] Computer program instructions can also generate computer implementation processes such that they are loaded into processing logic and / or any other suitable device to execute a series of operational steps on the device, and the executed instructions provide a process for implementing the function / operation specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0045] The flowcharts and / or block diagrams in the drawings are intended to illustrate the architecture, functionality, and / or operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products relating to embodiments of sensors. In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function(s). In some implementations, the functions described in a block may be executed in an order different from the order shown in the drawing. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the functions they relate to. Each block and / or combination of blocks may be implemented by an application-specific hardware-based system (or a combination of application-specific hardware and computer instructions) that performs the specified function or operation.

[0046] Examples, components, and alternatives The following sections describe selected embodiments of exemplary fluid property sensors and related systems and / or methods. The examples in these sections are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Each section may include one or more distinct embodiments or examples and / or contexts, or related information, functions, and / or structures.

[0047] A. Exemplary fluid property sensor As shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 1, this section describes an exemplary fluid characteristic sensor 100. Sensor 100 is an example of the fluid characteristic sensor described above.

[0048] Sensor 100 includes a resonant fluid characteristic sensor 102 (also known as a resonator) coupled to the chassis 104 of sensor 100, for example, via a coupling rod. In some examples, the resonator 102 operates in a frequency range of 2,000 to 10,000 Hz (or higher). The resonator 102 is configured to be immersed in the fluid under test during the operation of the sensor. In some examples, the resonator 102 is a torsional resonator, and for example, the resonator 102 can vibrate torsionally. More specifically, a torsional resonator is a type of mechanical resonator that operates based on torsional (torsional) resonance and can be configured to vibrate with high sensitivity to applied torque.

[0049] In some examples, the resonator 102 is a balanced torsional resonator configured to vibrate symmetrically around a nodal point. A balanced torsional resonator has a high degree of isolation from mounting conditions and is unaffected by them, and therefore is not affected by superimposed vibrations that are sufficiently far from the resonant mode. In other words, a balanced torsional resonator has a low degree of coupling with the support structure, which results in isolation from superimposed cleaning vibrations. Thus, in such examples, the resonator 102 also functions as a mechanical wave filter that blocks the influence of external vibrations.

[0050] In some examples, the resonator 102 operates similarly to a damped mass spring system, where damping is applied, for example, by the fluid under test. Input energy (e.g., torque) is converted into vibration or tremor within the resonator at the resonant frequency. The vibration of the resonator is damped by the surrounding fluid, and the level of damping can be converted into fluid properties (e.g., viscosity). In other words, by measuring the effect of the fluid under test on the resonant properties of the resonator 102, one or more rheological properties of the fluid (e.g., density, viscosity, etc.) can be determined. For example, the resonator's natural frequency modes may vary depending on the fluid. The frequencies at which the resonator 102 is configured to vibrate may depend on the material composition of the fluid under test, as well as the fluid properties measured by the sensor 100.

[0051] In some examples, the resonator 102 is controlled by an electronic controller 105. The electronic controller 105 can be configured to supply a control voltage to the resonator that is suitable for controlling the resonator 102. The control voltage supplied by the electronic controller 105 may include any suitable signal. For example, the controller 105 can control one or more of the frequency, amplitude, phase, mode, duty cycle, and / or other operating characteristics of the resonator 102.

[0052] The electronic controller 105 can further be used to receive or acquire sensor data from the resonator 102, for example, sensor data related to one or more measured fluid characteristics. In some examples, the electronic controller 105 is configured to apply one or more signal analysis and / or signal processing functions to the sensor data acquired from the resonator 102. Furthermore, or alternatively, the electronic controller 105 can communicate with one or more data processing systems configured to process the sensor data from the resonator 102. Thus, the electronic controller 105 can be configured to acquire sensor data from the resonator 102 and to communicate the sensor data to one or more data processing systems.

[0053] As mentioned above, exposure to fluid can lead to deposits or accumulations on the surface of the resonator, which can affect its accuracy. Therefore, the sensor 100 incorporates, or is coupled to, an oscillator 106 configured to produce superimposed vibrations along the sensor, for example, to prevent deposits / accumulations on the resonator. In some examples, such as the sensor 200 described later with respect to Figure 3, the oscillator 106 is located outside the chassis 104 and coupled to the chassis 104 by, for example, one or more mounting structures and / or fasteners. In such examples, the oscillator 106 can be shielded from fluid ingress by a protective housing. In some examples, such as the sensor 300 described later with respect to Figure 4, the oscillator 106 is located inside the chassis 104.

[0054] The oscillator 106 can be controlled by an electronic controller 105, for example, the electronic controller 105 can be configured to supply a control voltage suitable for controlling the oscillator 106. For example, the controller 105 can control one or more of the frequency, amplitude, phase, mode, duty cycle, and / or other operating characteristics of the oscillator 106.

[0055] The oscillator 106 may include a linear oscillator such that the superimposed vibration applied to the resonator 102 by the oscillator 106 is, for example, a linear vibration along the long axis of the sensor. For example, the oscillator 106 may be a linear oscillator driven by air pressure.

[0056] In some examples, the oscillator 106 comprises one or more motors configured to rotate an unbalanced eccentric mass such that the vibration force is perpendicular to the motor shaft(s). In some examples, the oscillator 106 includes a solenoid coil having a magnetic core configured to be driven by an alternating current to provide linear vibration. In some examples, the oscillator 106 is a pneumatically driven rotary oscillator configured to drive a ball in a circular race using a tangential air jet, thereby generating a vibration force, the direction and magnitude of which the force depends on the mechanical structure between the race and the structure to which the race is attached.

[0057] To maintain the proper and accurate function of the sensor 100, the oscillator 106 is configured to operate under conditions where superimposed vibrations do not damage or adversely affect the sensor, and where superimposed vibrations do not interfere with the accuracy of the sensor. This can be achieved by ensuring that superimposed vibrations do not affect measurements during operation, or by alternating superimposed vibrations with the operating period of the sensor.

[0058] Therefore, the amplitude and frequency of the superimposed vibration of the oscillator 106 are controlled so that the resonator 102 operates as expected without being damaged. For example, the oscillator 106 can operate at a frequency considerably lower than the operating frequency of the resonator 102, thus avoiding the bandwidth of the structure / resonance mode (one or more) of the resonator 102 and allowing each vibration to be easily isolated. For example, by greatly separating the cleaning frequency and the measurement frequency, it becomes possible to attenuate the transmission of spurious signals induced by the oscillator 106 while allowing the transmission of measurement-related signals from the resonator 102 using simple signal filtering, such as a high-pass filter. Furthermore, since large stresses in the sensor's resonant structure can excite resonance modes and lead to failure due to plastic deformation or fatigue, the amplitude and frequency of the superimposed vibration are controlled to prevent these stresses. For example, the oscillator 106 can operate in the range of 100 to 150 Hz with an amplitude on the order of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0059] A further advantage of low-frequency vibrations is their lower contribution to the fluid's shear rate, which reduces the likelihood of disrupting the structure of structured fluids such as gels and suspensions, and therefore increases the likelihood of providing more accurate measurements.

[0060] Alternatively, in some examples, the vibrations are configured to intentionally disrupt the fluid structure. For instance, if the fluid under test has a structure that prevents the resonator 102 from accurately measuring its fluid properties, the oscillator 106 can be configured to produce vibrations suitable for disrupting that structure, thereby allowing the resonator 102 to perform stable measurements.

[0061] In examples where the structural components of sensor 100 act as waveguides, for example, when the resonator 102 operates in the ultrasonic range, the frequency of transducer 106 is controlled so that the superimposed vibrations are outside the resonant modes (one or more) of the structural components. In general (i.e., not just in the ultrasonic range), the system can be configured to avoid structural resonance at the transducer frequency to prevent structural damage. Furthermore, the amplitude of the superimposed vibrations can be selected so that material buildup on the resonator is effectively removed, but structural damage to the resonator 102 (and generally sensor 100) is avoided. In some examples, transducer 106 operates in an intermittent and / or periodic configuration (see Figure 2). Figure 2 depicts exemplary measurements taken over time as transducer 106 is engaged and disengaged (e.g., turned on and off, enabled and disabled, activated and deactivated, and / or coupled and disengaged to chassis 104 or resonator 102). As shown in Figure 2, the oscillator 106 can operate at a selected duty cycle (e.g., 50%), with portions of the duty cycle, as depicted in A and C, corresponding to the oscillator 106 operating at full power and / or near full power, and other portions of the duty cycle, as depicted in B and D, corresponding to the oscillator 106 being off and / or operating at low power.

[0062] The intermittent and / or periodic operation of such oscillator 106 can prevent accumulation in the resonator 102 during the operating period and ensure that it does not affect the operation of the resonator 102 during the inactive period. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the operation of the sensor 100 may be more accurate during the engagement period of oscillator 106, as described in more detail above, for example when the fluid under test contains a non-Newtonian fluid.

[0063] The chassis 102 can be coupled to a mounting structure 108 configured to engage with and hold the chassis 102, for example, during operation. The chassis 102 can be releasably or permanently coupled to the mounting structure 108. In some examples, the mounting structure 108 comprises a mounting plate configured to receive a portion of the chassis 102. For example, the mounting structure 108 may include a plate having a hole configured to receive and hold the chassis 102. In some examples, the mounting structure 108 includes one or more fasteners, such as clamps, docking elements, or set screws, configured to engage with and support the chassis 102.

[0064] The mounting structure 108 can be further coupled to the support structure 112 via one or more elastic members 110. The elastic members 110 may include any suitable element(s) configured to discouple or separate the movement of the chassis 104 from the support structure 112. This discoupler helps minimize the stress on the support structure from the movement of the transducer 106 and allows larger amplitude vibrations to be transmitted from the transducer 106 to the resonator 102. As a counterexample, if a rigid mounting is used, the rigid mounting may restrict the movement of the sensor and reduce the efficiency of the cleaning vibration. In some examples, the elastic members 110 include polymers or rubber. For example, the elastic members 110 may include one or more gaskets, bushings, pads, and / or other polymer devices suitable for discouple vibrations from the chassis 102 to the support structure 112. Furthermore or alternatively, the elastic members 110 may include one or more springs, shock absorbers, and / or other suitable elastic, stretchable, or damping devices.

[0065] The support structure 112 can be used to suspend the chassis 104 so that the resonator 102 is held in a desired position relative to the fluid, for example, immersed in the fluid under test during the operation of the sensor 100. The support structure 112 may include any structure suitable for supporting the weight of the sensor 100 and allowing the resonator 102 to be immersed in the fluid. For example, the support structure 112 may include a stand, such as a ring stand, tripod stand, or wall-mounted rack. In some examples, the support structure 112 may be configured to be coupled to a container used to hold the fluid under test. For example, the support structure 112 may be attached to the rim of a reservoir or tank containing the fluid. The support structure 112 may be operable, for example, by including articulated or pivoting arms.

[0066] In some examples, sensor 100 may be a handheld fluid characteristic sensor. In a handheld configuration, sensor 100 can be detached from the mounting structure 108 and / or support structure 112. Handheld instruments tend to move erratically, for example due to the instability of the user's hand, which can cause the local structure of the fluid under test to be disturbed in uncertain ways. Therefore, the superimposed vibration of the oscillator 106 helps to create a local flow field with a greater flow velocity than that caused by normal hand instability, thereby stabilizing the readings and generating parameters useful for characterizing the fluid.

[0067] In some examples, the sensor 100 can be configured to be mounted through the wall of a tank or pipe. Thus, one or more parts of the chassis 104 can flexibly adapt, and such an oscillator 106 can vibrate the resonator 102 with a larger amplitude than in the case of a rigid support. In such examples, the sensor 100 does not necessarily have to use a flexible mounting fixture 110.

[0068] B. Exemplary fluid property sensor with external oscillator As shown in Figure 3, this section describes an exemplary fluid characteristic sensor 200. Sensor 200 is an example of the aforementioned fluid characteristic sensor 100 in which the oscillator is located outside the sensor chassis. Thus, sensor 200 is substantially similar to sensor 100.

[0069] Similar to the sensor 100 described above, the sensor 200 includes a resonant fluid characteristic sensor 202 (also known as a resonator) configured to be immersed in the fluid 20 during the operation of the sensor. The resonator 202 is coupled to the chassis 204 of the sensor 200, for example, via a coupling structure 203. In some examples, the coupling structure 203 is integral with the resonator 202, and / or the two elements can be considered together as a resonator.

[0070] The sensor 200 includes an oscillator 206 located outside the chassis 204, the oscillator 206 comprising a linear oscillator configured to generate superimposed vibrations along axis 207. In the example depicted in Figure 3, axis 207 is oriented along the long axis of the sensor 200 so that the vibrations provided by the oscillator 206 are also along the long axis of the sensor 200.

[0071] The chassis 202 is coupled to a mounting structure 208 configured to engage with and hold the chassis 202 during operation. The mounting structure 208 is further coupled to a support structure 212 via one or more elastic members 210. The support structure 212 suspends the chassis 204 and the resonator 202 in the fluid 20 during the operation of the sensor 200. The elastic members 210 may include any suitable elements(s) configured to discouple and / or isolate the movement of the chassis 204 from the support structure 212, thereby minimizing the stress on the support structure from the movement of the transducer 206.

[0072] C. Exemplary fluid property sensor with internal oscillator As shown in Figure 4, this section describes an exemplary fluid characteristic sensor 300. Sensor 300 is an example of the aforementioned fluid characteristic sensor 100 in which the oscillator is located inside the sensor chassis. Thus, sensor 300 is substantially similar to sensor 100.

[0073] Similar to the sensor 100 described above, the sensor 300 includes a resonant fluid characteristic sensor 302 (also known as a resonator) configured to be immersed in the fluid 30 during the operation of the sensor. The resonator 302 is coupled to the chassis 304 of the sensor 300, for example, via a coupling structure 303. In some examples, the coupling structure 303 is integral with the resonator 302, and / or the two elements can be considered together as a resonator.

[0074] The sensor 300 includes an oscillator 306 located outside the chassis 304, the oscillator 306 comprising a linear oscillator configured to generate superimposed vibrations along axis 307. In the example depicted in Figure 4, axis 307 is oriented along the long axis of the sensor 300 so that the vibrations provided by the oscillator 306 also align with the long axis of the sensor 300.

[0075] The chassis 302 is coupled to a mounting structure 308 configured to engage with and hold the chassis 302 during operation. The mounting structure 308 is coupled to a support structure 312 via one or more elastic members 310. The support structure 312 is used to suspend the chassis 304 and the resonator 302 in the fluid 30 during the operation of the sensor 300. The elastic members 310 may include any suitable element(s) configured to disengage the movement of the chassis 304 from the support structure 312, thereby minimizing the stress on the support structure from the movement of the transducer 306.

[0076] D. Exemplary Methods This section describes the steps of an exemplary method 400 for measuring one or more fluid properties using fluid property sensors (e.g., sensors 100, 200, 300) (see Figure 5). The aforementioned system configurations can be used in the steps of the method described below. Where appropriate, references to components and systems that can be used to perform each step may be given. These references are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the possible configurations for performing specific steps of the method.

[0077] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed in an exemplary manner and does not describe the complete process or all steps of the method. While various steps of Method 400 are described below and depicted in Figure 5, not all steps necessarily need to be performed, and may be performed simultaneously in some cases, or in an order different from that shown.

[0078] Step 402 of Method 400 includes immersing a resonant fluid characteristic sensor (e.g., sensors 100, 200, 300) in a fluid (e.g., investment casting slurry, tomato ketchup, etc.). The resonant fluid characteristic sensor may include any suitable resonator, such as a balanced torsional resonator.

[0079] Step 404 of Method 400 includes measuring one or more fluid properties of a fluid using a resonant fluid property sensor configured to operate at a resonant frequency. In some examples, the resonant frequency of the resonant fluid property sensor is 2,000 Hz or higher. In some examples, measuring one or more fluid properties of a fluid using a resonant fluid property sensor includes measuring the density, viscosity, and / or temperature of the fluid.

[0080] Step 406 of Method 400 includes transmitting vibrations at a self-cleaning frequency lower than the resonant frequency to the resonant fluid property sensor. In some examples, the self-cleaning frequency is less than 1,000 Hz and / or the vibrations at the self-cleaning frequency have an amplitude greater than 100 micrometers. The vibrations can be generated by an oscillator (e.g., a linear oscillator) such as oscillators 106, 206, 306. In some examples, step 406 includes using the vibrations to remove and / or prevent material buildup on the resonant fluid property sensor.

[0081] In some cases, vibrations at the self-cleaning frequency may be transmitted intermittently and have a selected duty cycle.

[0082] E. Exemplary combinations and further examples This section describes further embodiments and features of the fluid property sensor, presented, but not limited to, a series of paragraphs, which may be partially or entirely alphanumeric for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other paragraphs and / or disclosures from elsewhere in this application, including material incorporated into cross-references by reference. Some of the following paragraphs explicitly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, while providing, but not limiting, some examples of suitable combinations.

[0083] A0. A method for measuring the characteristics of a fluid using a resonant sensor probe, and for cleaning deposits on the sensor without interrupting the operation of the sensor, wherein the method is: a. Prepare a resonant fluid characteristic sensor having a measurement vibration frequency and amplitude of 2000 Hz to 10,000 Hz (or higher) suitable for measuring the properties of a fluid, b. Prepare a vibration mechanism configured to superimpose vibrations onto a resonant sensor, Methods that include...

[0084] A1. The method described in A0, wherein the fluid properties to be measured include viscosity and / or density.

[0085] A2. The method of A0 or A1, further comprising measuring fluid properties using a balanced resonant sensor.

[0086] A3. The measurement is performed using the torsional mode of a balanced resonant sensor, as described in A2.

[0087] A4. The method according to any one of A0 to A3, wherein the superimposed vibration has a lower frequency and higher amplitude than the vibration of the resonant sensing element during the measurement process, the amplitude of which significantly exceeds the measured vibration amplitude, the low-frequency vibration is significantly lower in frequency than the lowest vibration mode of the resonant sensor means, and the superimposed high-amplitude, low-frequency superimposed vibration has sufficient amplitude to prevent material from substantially accumulating on the resonant sensor during operation.

[0088] A5. The method according to any one of A0 to A4, further comprising vibrating the measuring mechanism by air pressure or electricity.

[0089] A6. The method according to A5, wherein the vibration direction may be parallel to the long axis of the resonant sensor, transverse, or coaxial with the torsional direction.

[0090] A7. The method according to any one of A0 to A6, wherein the frequency of the superimposed vibration is selected to be significantly lower than the resonant frequency of the sensor in order to avoid damage to the resonant sensor due to metal fatigue caused by excessively repeated large displacements, for example.

[0091] B0. A self-cleaning sensing device for measuring one or more properties of an immersed fluid when there is a tendency for adhering substances to accumulate on an immersed surface, wherein the self-cleaning sensing device is a. A resonant fluid characteristic sensor having a resonant frequency of 2,000 Hz or higher, b. A mounting fixture configured to immerse the resonator in a fluid, c. A vibrator that directly contacts the sensor to transmit large amplitude, low frequency vibrations to the resonant fluid characteristic sensor, A self-cleaning device equipped with the following features.

[0092] B1. A sensor is a device described in B0 that measures one or more of the following properties, but is not limited to: density, viscosity, and temperature.

[0093] B2. The resonant fluid characteristic sensor is a balanced resonator, as described in B0 or ​​B1.

[0094] B3. The sensor is, for example, i. It has a first lateral bending mode whose frequency does not fall below 1000 Hz. ii. It has a first torsional mode whose frequency does not fall below 2000 Hz. iii. Having a surface displacement not exceeding 10 micrometers, A torsional resonator, one of the devices described in B0 to B2.

[0095] B4. The oscillator is a device described in any one of B0 to B3, having an operating frequency of less than 1000 Hz.

[0096] B5. The oscillator is a device described in any one of B0 to B4, having a displacement amplitude of more than 100 micrometers.

[0097] B6. The oscillator is, a. A pneumatically driven vibrator whose vibration direction is parallel to the long axis of the resonant sensor. b. A pneumatic vibrator that vibrates laterally with respect to the long axis of the resonator, c. The resonator vibrates torsionally around its long axis. d. Operated electrically in parallel, e. Electrically operated in the lateral direction, f. Electrically operated in the torsional direction, One of the devices is the one listed in B0 to B5.

[0098] B7. All electrically actuated oscillators may be one of several designs, including a motor with an eccentric mass attached to the rotor, a solenoid-actuated oscillator, and other electromagnetically actuated oscillators, as described in B6.

[0099] C0. A device for measuring one or more properties of a fluid or fluid medium (e.g., a self-cleaning device), wherein the device is A resonant fluid characteristic sensor coupled to a sensor chassis, configured to operate at a first frequency, A support structure coupled to a sensor chassis, wherein the support structure is configured to support the sensor chassis when the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is immersed in a fluid, A vibrator coupled to a sensor chassis, wherein the vibrator vibrates at a second frequency and is configured to transmit the vibration to a resonant fluid characteristic sensor through the chassis, A device equipped with the following features.

[0100] C1. The device described in paragraph C0, wherein the first frequency of the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is 2,000 Hz or higher.

[0101] C2. The device described in paragraph C1, wherein the first frequency of the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is between 4,000 Hz and 10,000 Hz.

[0102] C3. A device described in any of paragraphs C0 to C2, wherein the second frequency of the oscillator is less than 1,000 Hz.

[0103] C4. The device described in paragraph C3, wherein the second frequency of the oscillator is between 100 Hz and 150 Hz.

[0104] C5. The oscillator is configured to vibrate with an amplitude greater than 100 micrometers, as described in any of the devices described in paragraphs C0 to C4.

[0105] C6. The device described in paragraph C5 has an amplitude of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0106] C7. The oscillator is a device described in any of paragraphs C0 to C6, located outside the sensor chassis.

[0107] C8. The oscillator is a device described in any of paragraphs C0 to C7, located inside the sensor chassis.

[0108] C9. A resonant fluid characteristic sensor is a device described in any of paragraphs C0 to C8, configured to measure the density, viscosity, and / or temperature of a fluid.

[0109] C10. A resonant fluid characteristic sensor is a device described in any of paragraphs C0 to C9, including a balanced torsional resonator.

[0110] C11. The resonant fluid characteristic sensor is the device described in paragraph C10, having a first torsional mode frequency of 2,000 Hz or higher.

[0111] C12. The resonant fluid characteristic sensor is the device described in paragraph C11, configured to have a surface displacement of less than 10 micrometers.

[0112] C13. The oscillator is a device described in any of paragraphs C0 to C12, which is an oscillator driven by air pressure.

[0113] C14. An oscillator is an electrically operated oscillator, as described in any of paragraphs C0 to C13.

[0114] C15. The oscillator is a linear oscillator, as described in any of paragraphs C0 to C14.

[0115] C16. The oscillator is a torsional oscillator, as described in any of paragraphs C0 to C15.

[0116] C17. The device according to any of paragraphs C0 to C16, wherein the chassis is coupled to a support structure by one or more elastic members.

[0117] C18. The oscillator is a device described in any of paragraphs C0 to C17, configured to operate intermittently.

[0118] C19. The oscillator is the device described in paragraph C18, configured to operate at a selected duty cycle.

[0119] D0. A method for measuring one or more fluid properties using a device (e.g., a self-cleaning device), wherein the method is: Immersing the resonant fluid characteristic sensor in a fluid or fluid medium, Measuring one or more fluid properties of a fluid using a resonant fluid property sensor, wherein the fluid property sensor is configured to operate at a first frequency, The oscillator is operated at a second frequency so that its vibrations are transmitted to the resonant fluid characteristic sensor, Methods that include...

[0120] D1. Removing material accumulated on the resonant fluid characteristic sensor by vibration. The method described in paragraph D0, which further includes the method described in paragraph D0.

[0121] D2. The method according to paragraphs D0 and / or D1, wherein the first frequency of the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is 2,000 Hz or higher.

[0122] D3. The method described in any of paragraphs D0 to D2, wherein the second frequency of the oscillator is less than 1,000 Hz.

[0123] D4. The oscillator vibration having an amplitude greater than 100 micrometers, according to any of the methods described in paragraphs D0 to D3.

[0124] D5. Measuring one or more fluid properties of a fluid with a resonant fluid property sensor, including measuring the density, viscosity, and / or temperature of the fluid, according to any of paragraphs D0 to D4.

[0125] D6. A resonant fluid characteristic sensor is a method according to any of paragraphs D0 to D5, including a balanced torsional resonator.

[0126] D7. The oscillator is a linear oscillator, as described in any of paragraphs D0 to D6.

[0127] D8. Operating the oscillator at a second frequency is any method described in paragraphs D0 to D7, including operating the oscillator intermittently.

[0128] D9. Intermittently operating the oscillator is the method described in paragraph D8, which includes operating the oscillator at a selected duty cycle.

[0129] E0. A method for measuring one or more fluid properties, wherein the method is: Immersing the resonant fluid characteristic sensor in a fluid or fluid medium, Measuring one or more fluid properties of a fluid or fluid medium using a resonant fluid property sensor, wherein the fluid property sensor is configured to operate at a resonant frequency. Transmitting vibrations at a second frequency lower than the resonant frequency to the resonant fluid characteristic sensor, Methods that include...

[0130] E1. Using transmitted vibrations to remove material accumulated on the resonant fluid characteristic sensor. The method described in E0, which further includes the method described in E0.

[0131] E2. The method according to E0 or E1, wherein the resonant frequency of the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is 2,000 Hz or higher.

[0132] E3. The second frequency is less than 1,000 Hz, as described in any one of E0 to E2.

[0133] E4. The method according to any one of E0 to E3, wherein the vibration at the second frequency has an amplitude greater than 100 micrometers.

[0134] E5. The method according to any one of E0 to E4, wherein measuring one or more fluid properties of a fluid using a resonant fluid property sensor includes measuring the density, viscosity, and / or temperature of the fluid.

[0135] E6. A resonant fluid characteristic sensor is a method according to any one of E0 to E5, including a balanced torsional resonator.

[0136] E7. The oscillation at the second frequency is generated by a linear oscillator using one of the methods described in E0 to E6.

[0137] E8. The vibration at the second frequency is transmitted intermittently, as described in any one of E0 to E7.

[0138] E9. The vibration is transmitted over a selected duty cycle, as described in E8.

[0139] Advantages, features, and benefits The various embodiments and examples of sensors described herein offer several advantages over known solutions for measuring fluid properties. For example, the exemplary embodiments and examples described herein enable reliable, reproducible, stable, and online measurement of process-related fluid behavior in the presence of highly non-Newtonian behavior under variable flow modes, and in fluids that tend to leave deposits on the sensor.

[0140] Furthermore, among other benefits, the exemplary embodiments and examples described herein enable a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents accumulation on the sensor, thereby preserving its resonant characteristics and maintaining calibration without the need for recalibration after exposure to fluid.

[0141] Furthermore, among other benefits, the exemplary embodiments and examples described herein ensure that superimposed vibrations do not interfere with the sensor's primary role of providing accurate and repeatable fluid measurements by controlling the amplitude and frequency of superimposed vibrations to prevent large stresses in the sensor's resonant structure and avoid saturation or distortion of signals from the resonator.

[0142] Furthermore, among other benefits, the exemplary embodiments and examples described herein enable rapid recovery of the sensor after the cleaning phase and allow for accurate measurements before further deposits occur.

[0143] Furthermore, among other benefits, known methods for measuring the properties of a fluid passing through a sensor are susceptible to variations due to fluid velocity. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments and examples described herein reduce the dependence of fluid property measurements on external flow fields by generating a strong, reproducible, localized flow field whose influence outweighs that of bulk fluid velocity.

[0144] Furthermore, among other benefits, the uniform local flow field generated by superimposed vibrations can produce a stable, repeatable shift in sensor readings compared to the same fluid in the absence of the superimposed flow field, even for many strongly non-Newtonian fluids. The effects of superimposed vibrations can be used as auxiliary data points, providing further parameters for characterizing the fluid under test, in addition to the single-point measurement generated by the sensor without superimposed vibrations. By varying the amplitude and frequency of the superimposed vibrations, the velocity field around the resonator can be changed, which allows for the measurement of multiple values ​​in a changing, controlled flow field, and thus enables the construction of rheological flow curves.

[0145] Furthermore, among other benefits, for example, when sediment accumulates on the sensor in the absence of superimposed vibrations, the degree of deposition can be understood by using the drift of the sensor readings, for example, through the detected shift in the sensor's resonant frequency, which correlates with the amount of deposited material. By using the shift and attenuation of the sensor's frequency in response to the addition of superimposed vibrations, the amount and / or characteristics of the deposit can be quantified.

[0146] No system or device capable of performing these functions is known. However, not all embodiments and examples described herein offer the same or comparable advantages.

[0147] Conclusion The above disclosure may encompass several distinct examples having independent practical value. While each of these has been disclosed in its preferred form (one or more), the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. Where section headings are used in this disclosure, such headings are solely for organizational purposes. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel, non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. The following claims, in particular, address specific combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this application or related applications. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal to, or different from the scope of the original claims, are also considered to be included in the subject matter of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for measuring one or more properties of a fluid medium, wherein the device is A resonant fluid characteristic sensor coupled to a sensor chassis, wherein the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is configured to operate at a first frequency, A support structure coupled to the sensor chassis, wherein the support structure is configured to support the sensor chassis when the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is immersed in a fluid medium, A vibrator coupled to the sensor chassis, wherein the vibrator vibrates at a second frequency and is configured to transmit the vibration to the resonant fluid characteristic sensor through the chassis, A device equipped with the following features.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first frequency of the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is 2,000 Hz or higher.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second frequency of the oscillator is less than 1,000 Hz.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vibrator is configured to vibrate with an amplitude of more than 100 micrometers.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibrator is located outside the chassis.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is configured to measure the density, viscosity, and / or temperature of a fluid medium.

7. The resonant fluid characteristic sensor is the device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a balanced torsional resonator.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the oscillator is a linear oscillator.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the chassis is coupled to the support structure by one or more elastic members.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the oscillator is configured to operate intermittently.

11. A method for measuring one or more fluid properties, wherein the method is Immersing the resonant fluid characteristic sensor in a fluid medium, The method involves measuring one or more fluid properties of a fluid medium using the aforementioned resonant fluid property sensor, wherein the fluid property sensor is configured to operate at a resonant frequency. To transmit vibrations at a second frequency lower than the aforementioned resonant frequency to the resonant fluid characteristic sensor, Methods that include...

12. Using transmitted vibrations to remove material accumulated on the resonant fluid characteristic sensor. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

13. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the resonant frequency of the resonant fluid characteristic sensor is 2,000 Hz or higher.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second frequency is less than 1,000 Hz.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the vibration at the second frequency has an amplitude of more than 100 micrometers.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein measuring one or more fluid properties of a fluid medium using the resonant fluid property sensor includes measuring the density, viscosity, and / or temperature of the fluid medium.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the resonant fluid characteristic sensor includes a balanced torsional resonator.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the vibration at the second frequency is generated by a linear oscillator.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the vibration at the second frequency is transmitted intermittently.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the vibration is transmitted over a selected duty cycle.

Images