Angled Ultrasonic Transducer for Multi-Mode Fluid Property Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic waveguide sensors are limited in their ability to perform multi-point measurements and cannot effectively measure properties at high temperatures due to the use of a single wave mode, restricting their application in industries that require precise level and rheological measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that simultaneously generates and receives at least two ultrasonic wave modes, such as longitudinal, torsional, and flexural modes, using an angled transducer and processing unit to determine fluid properties like viscosity, density, flow rate, and temperature, across various frequency ranges and attenuation regimes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wave mode is used for measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement capability is limited to only one parameter at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer is designed to generate multiple wave modes (longitudinal, torsional, and flexural modes) simultaneously by positioning it at an angle between 0 to 85 degrees with the waveguide axis. This enables the single device to perform multiple measurement functions including level, temperature, viscosity, density, and flow rate measurements, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each parameter.
2Reliability
If traditional ultrasonic waveguide sensors are used, then the basic measurement function is achieved, but high temperature measurements are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent attenuation characteristics of flexural waves to enable high temperature measurements. By monitoring changes in wave attenuation at different temperatures, the system can accurately measure temperature in high temperature environments where traditional sensors fail, leveraging the physical property changes of the fluid rather than direct thermal contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wave modes are generated simultaneously, then multi-point measurements are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by assigning different wave modes to different measurement parameters: longitudinal modes for level measurement, torsional modes for temperature measurement, and flexural modes for viscosity and density measurement. This segmentation allows complex multi-parameter measurements to be achieved through a unified transducer system while maintaining clear functional separation for easier implementation and analysis.
4Device complexity
If a single wave mode is transmitted, then the transmission system is simple, but the ability to perform multi-point measurements is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously transmits multiple wave modes simultaneously through the waveguide, enabling concurrent measurement of multiple fluid parameters. This continuous multi-mode transmission approach allows the system to gather comprehensive fluid property data in real-time without sequential measurement delays, significantly improving measurement throughput and productivity compared to single-mode systems that would require sequential parameter measurement.
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 multi-point measurements of fluid properties simultaneously, improving measurement accuracy and expanding the sensor's applicability to high-temperature environments by utilizing the sensitivity of flexural modes for precise property determination.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic waves can be used for remote measurements in physically inaccessible areas and in hostile environments
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic guided wave propagates in one of the three fundamental modes namely, longitudinal, torsional and flexural mode along the length of the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
A transducer is connected to the waveguide for transmission of ultrasonic waves from one end of the waveguide to the second end of the waveguide
Implementation Method 4
a processing unit, operably coupled with the ultrasonic transducer, and configured to determine a time of flight and amplitude ratio of reflected waves received by the ultrasonic transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method and a system for remotely measuring the properties of a fluid. The system comprises a waveguide, a transducer, and a processing unit. One end of the waveguide is coupled to the transducer and the second end is immersed in a fluid. The transducer is aligned at a certain angle of excitation ranging between 0°-90° with respect to the waveguide such that it can transmit ultrasonic waves comprising at least two wave modes. A part of the at least two wave modes transmitted through the wave guide leaks into the surrounding fluid and the remaining part is reflected. The attenuation of the at least two wave modes is studied in various attenuation regimes ranging between 0-1200 kHz. The reflected at least two wave modes are transmitted to the processing unit for extracting various parameters. Based on the extracted parameters, different properties of the fluid are measured.