Orthogonal Sonar Array for Sludge Topography Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the volume of fluids in containers with sludge layers, such as oil tanks, are inaccurate due to the varying topography of the sludge layer, which is not effectively captured by traditional mechanical or infrared measurement techniques, leading to time-consuming and unreliable volume estimations.
Innovation Solution
A sonar apparatus with a beamforming scanning system using orthogonal arrays of electroacoustic transducers, including a temperature sensor, to create a 3D topographical map of the sludge layer within the container, reducing the need for mechanical rotation and providing high accuracy in volume estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical dipstick measurement device is used to measure sludge depth, then the measurement can be taken at a single point, but the accuracy of determining overall sludge volume is poor because it cannot capture varying topography across the container bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The container bottom is divided into multiple measurement zones by deploying the sonar apparatus at several different entry points around the container. Each measurement campaign focuses on a specific sector, and the results are combined to create a complete topographical map of the entire container bottom, capturing the varying sludge topography across different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from one-dimensional point measurements (dipstick) to three-dimensional volumetric mapping by measuring depth at multiple radial positions and azimuthal angles around the container, enabling accurate calculation of sludge volume through integration of the 3D topographical data.
2Ease of operation
If infrared temperature measurement is used to estimate sludge profile, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but the accuracy is low because it only provides guesstimates based on temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect thermal field measurement method (infrared) with direct acoustic field measurement (sonar). The sonar apparatus uses acoustic waves to directly measure the physical depth and topography of the sludge layer, providing accurate quantitative data rather than indirect temperature-based estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to probe the sludge layer. The acoustic signals penetrate through the fluid medium and reflect off the sludge interface, carrying direct information about the sludge topography and depth that can be accurately measured and mapped.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasound technology with mechanical rotation is used to scan the container, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and scanning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beamforming techniques where the ultrasound beam direction is electronically steered without mechanical rotation. By dynamically adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals across the transducer array elements, the beam can be directed to scan different angular positions and depths, achieving comprehensive coverage while maintaining a fixed, simple apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation mechanisms with electronic beam steering using phased array technology. The direction of the ultrasound beam is controlled by electronic phase shifters that adjust the timing of signals to each transducer element, enabling rapid scanning without any moving parts and significantly reducing device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the sonar apparatus uses phased array beamforming with multiple transducers, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar apparatus divides the measurement task into segmented operations by deploying the device at multiple discrete entry points around the container. At each position, a subset of transducers measures a specific sector of the container bottom. This segmentation allows using fewer transducers per deployment while achieving complete coverage through multiple positioned measurements, reducing the required number of elements and processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial beamforming where not all transducer elements need to be simultaneously active or processed for each measurement. By strategically selecting and activating only the necessary subset of transducers for each scanning position and angular sector, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision while reducing the computational burden and processing complexity compared to using all elements for every 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
The apparatus achieves precise 3D topographical measurements and volume calculations of the sludge layer, minimizing reverberation noise and requiring fewer entry points, resulting in faster and more reliable data collection with improved accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A sonar apparatus with a beamforming scanning system using orthogonal arrays of electroacoustic transducers
Implementation Method 2
create a 3D topographical map of the sludge layer within the container
Implementation Method 3
including a temperature sensor, to create a 3D topographical map of the sludge layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8b
AI summary
A scanning apparatus (10) comprising a sonar head (11), the sonar head comprising an array of transmitting elements (12) and an array of receiving elements (13), said receiving array being mounted at a position orthogonal to the transmitting array, wherein the elements of the arrays have a substantially hemi-spherical form.