Ultrasonic Deposit Detection with Localized Heating Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring fouling and scaling deposits in industrial plants face challenges due to temperature and pressure variations, and the difficulty of installing measurement devices in functional units with limited space and high temperatures, leading to inaccurate deposit thickness determination.
Innovation Solution
A device with an ultrasonic transducer and heating means that simulates the temperature conditions inside a functional unit by heating a reflecting area, allowing for precise measurement of deposits without direct installation, using thermally conductive materials for efficient heat transfer and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement devices are installed inside functional units, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to limited space and high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid-bearing system acts as an intermediary between the measurement device and the functional unit. The device measures deposits in the liquid-bearing system while heating means simulate the temperature conditions of the functional unit, enabling indirect measurement without direct installation in the high-temperature environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a copy of the functional unit's temperature conditions in the liquid-bearing system using heating means. By simulating the thermal environment, the measurement device can operate in a more accessible location while still measuring deposits under representative conditions.
2Ease of operation
If measurement devices are installed in connecting pipes instead of functional units, then ease of installation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lower temperatures and different deposit accumulation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Heating means are used to change the temperature parameter in the liquid-bearing system to match the functional unit's operating conditions. This allows the device to be installed in an accessible location while maintaining the thermal conditions necessary for accurate deposit measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating means are localized to the reflecting area within the liquid-bearing system, creating a specific zone with functional-unit-like temperature conditions. This local temperature simulation ensures accurate deposit formation and measurement without heating the entire system.
3Ease of operation
If reference distances are measured without deposits, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because real distance changes with temperature and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
Reference distances are measured in advance under controlled conditions without deposits present. This preliminary calibration establishes a baseline that can be used for subsequent measurements, separating the calibration step from the actual deposit measurement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accounts for dynamic changes in real distance due to temperature and pressure variations by using the pre-measured reference distance as a baseline and measuring changes relative to this reference, rather than requiring continuous absolute distance 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 accurate measurement of fouling and scaling deposits in functional units by simulating actual temperature conditions, reducing installation costs and maintaining device availability for maintenance, while distinguishing between types and thickness of deposits.
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
Implementation Method 2
heating means for increasing the temperature of the reflecting area
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting deposits in a reflecting area inside a liquid-bearing system comprising an ultrasonic transducer for emitting an ultrasonic emission signal towards the reflecting area and a detection means for detecting an ultrasonic reflection signal obtained by reflection of the ultrasonic emission signal in the area of the reflecting area, wherein the device further comprises heating means for increasing the temperature of the reflecting area.