Single-Transducer Ultrasonic Deposit Analysis for Fouling and Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting and distinguishing between fouling and scaling deposits in liquid-bearing systems are inaccurate due to dependency on operational conditions like temperature and pressure, and require costly and space-consuming dual ultrasonic transducers.

Innovation Solution

A device and method using a single ultrasonic transducer to analyze the distribution of run times in ultrasonic reflection signals, identifying distinct peaks and discontinuities to differentiate between fouling and scaling deposits without calibration measurements, allowing for precise thickness calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a reference distance measured in initial calibration is used to determine deposit thickness, then the measurement process is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to changes in real distance with temperature and pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoiddeposit thickness measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple calibration measurements at different known deposit thicknesses (0mm, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm) before actual measurement. This creates a reference dataset that accounts for temperature and pressure variations, allowing the system to compensate for environmental changes during operation and maintain measurement precision without continuous recalibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If two different ultrasonic transducers with separate reflecting areas are used to distinguish deposit types, then deposit differentiation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit type differentiation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of transducers and reflecting areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single ultrasonic transducer to perform multiple functions: measuring deposit thickness and distinguishing between scaling and fouling deposits. This is achieved by analyzing the relationship between measured thickness and known reflecting area positions, eliminating the need for multiple transducers and reducing system complexity while maintaining full diagnostic capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two separate measuring sections are provided for deposit detection, then deposit analysis capability is improved, but installation space and equipment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit analysis capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the functions of multiple measuring sections into a single integrated measuring section. By using one ultrasonic transducer that can detect reflections from both the pipe wall and deposit interfaces, the system consolidates what would require separate physical sections into a single compact unit, reducing installation space while maintaining comprehensive deposit analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Accurately distinguishes between fouling and scaling deposits with reduced equipment costs and space, providing robust and precise thickness measurements independent of operational conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic emission signal is emitted by an ultrasonic transducer towards a reflecting area inside the fluid vessel and a distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the reflecting area or between the ultrasonic transducer and a deposit onto the reflecting area is measured by means of evaluating the time-domain reflective signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the reflecting area is measured by means of evaluating the time-domain reflective signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic time of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

As scaling and fouling deposits have also different acoustic impedances, a comparison between the amplitude of the time-domain reflective signal measured by the one ultrasonic transducer and the amplitude of the time-domain reflective signal measured by the other ultrasonic transducer enables to distinguish between fouling and scaling deposits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic impedance difference:

Data Source

PatentEP2795291B1Device for detecting and analyzing deposits

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SOLENIS TECHNOLOGIES CAYMAN LP

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting and analyzing deposits in a liquid-bearing system. In particular, the method comprising steps of: Emitting an ultrasonic emission signal towards the reflecting area by an ultrasonic transducer in a first step, detecting a ultrasonic reflection signal obtained by reflection of the ultrasonic emission signal in the reflecting area by detection means in a second step, determining a distribution of the run time of the detected ultrasonic reflection signal in response to a specified variable in a third step and analyzing the distribution in a fourth step in order to determine if deposits are deposited at least partially onto the reflecting area.