Acoustic Interface Detection for Liquid Sludge Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the interface between a liquid layer and a sludge layer in tanks, such as those in offshore oil refineries, are inaccurate due to the presence of impurities, leading to inefficient tank cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
An interface position determining apparatus that uses a transmitter to send acoustic waves from multiple positions outside the tank, a receiver to detect these waves, and a determining unit to accurately calculate the interface position by comparing wave conditions with reference data, accounting for transition layers formed by impurity mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single acoustic wave transceiver is used to detect liquid level, then the device structure is simple, but the detection precision of interface position is insufficient due to the intermediate layer
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic wave transmission is segmented into multiple paths by using a plurality of transmitters and receivers at different positions. Each transmitter-receiver pair provides an independent measurement path, and the combined data from multiple paths enables precise identification of the interface position despite the presence of the intermediate layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-point measurement to a multi-point spatial measurement by arranging transmitters and receivers at different positions. This spatial distribution adds dimensional information to the detection, allowing the system to distinguish between the intermediate layer and the actual interface by comparing measurements from multiple angles and positions.
2Productivity
If tank cleaning operation is performed regularly, then impurity accumulation is controlled, but operation efficiency is reduced due to unnecessary cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic wave-based interface position detection system provides continuous feedback on the impurity accumulation level by measuring the distance between the liquid surface and the sludge interface. This feedback mechanism enables operators to make informed decisions about when cleaning is actually needed, optimizing the cleaning schedule based on real accumulation data rather than fixed intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system operates autonomously from the outside of the tank, continuously monitoring the interface position without requiring manual intervention or internal sensors. The system self-regulates by providing ongoing measurements that automatically inform cleaning decisions, eliminating the need for routine inspections or guesswork.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise detection of the interface between liquid and sludge layers, facilitating timely and efficient cleaning operations by providing accurate positioning and alerting when the interface reaches a critical level.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter (12) that transmits an acoustic wave from a plurality of positions in an accumulating direction in which impurities contained in a liquid accumulate, from an outside of a wall surrounding the liquid
Implementation Method 2
receives the wave reflected on the gaseous phase or the solid phase included in the liquid phase inside of the container
Data Source
AI summary
All interface position determining apparatus includes a transmitter that transmits au acoustic wave from a plurality of positions in an accumulating direction in which impurities contained in a liquid accumulate, from an outside of a wall surrounding the liquid; a receiver that receives the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitter at a plurality of positions; and a determining unit that determines a position of an interface between a liquid layer and a sludge layer in the accumulating direction based on a condition of the acoustic wave received by the receiver.