Using ultrasonic attenuation to monitor slurry mixing in real time

Staff at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed and applied a simple ultrasonic attenuation measurement to measure slurry concentration in real time during suspension of solids settled in a large tank. This paper presents a simple single frequency ultrasonic measurement technique that demonstrates the ability of ultrasonic sensors to measure slurry concentration. Sensor calibration data show that in this attenuation regime ultrasonic signal attenuation is proportional to the applied frequency and to the slurry volume fraction. Real-time measurements of ultrasonic signal attenuation were used to track the process of slurry mixing using single sensors and sensor arrays. Results from two experiments show the use of real-time measurements of ultrasonic signal attenuation to track the process of slurry mixing in situ and to track the ability to maintain a well-mixed steady state condition. Comparison of concentration means of the ultrasonic measurements with concentration means obtained from discrete extractive measurements show that the distributions overlap and cannot be statistically distinguished. The real-time ultrasonic sensor can be used as a primary measurement method or to reduce reliance upon extractive methods to measure slurry density and solids concentration.     

An ultrasound technique for monitoring the alcoholic wine fermentation

In this paper an ultrasonic technique, usually used in non-destructive-testing (NDT), is applied to the monitoring of alcoholic wine fermentation. This technique consists in placing a test tube, containing the analyzing fluid, between two matched ultrasonic piezoelectric transducers, one used as transmitter and the other as receiver. The transmitter generates an ultrasonic wave in the liquid sample which is received by the receiver; the attenuation and the delay of the received signal in respect to the transmitted one are used to characterize the testing fluid. As first experiments this technique was applied to some test solutions of saccharose in water, ethanol in water and of both solvents in water, in order to evaluate the method applicability and resolution. Best results are obtained by the propagation velocity measurement, with a resolution less than 2%. The method was then applied to monitor the wine fermentation: the propagation velocity in the must was measured every day and the results were related to chemical analyses. The obtained results show that the propagation velocity has the same behaviour of the saccharose concentration, putting in evidence the possibility of monitoring the process state by measuring the ultrasound propagation velocity.     

Cure monitoring using ultrasonic guided waves in wires

The possibility of using ultrasonic guided waves for monitoring the cure process of epoxy resins is investigated. The two techniques presented use a wire waveguide which is partly embedded in the resin. The first technique is based on the measurement of attenuation due to leakage of bulk waves into the resin surrounding the waveguide. The second technique measures the reflection of the guided wave that occurs at the point where the waveguide enters the resin. Both the attenuation and the reflection coefficient change significantly during cure, and the numerical methods to relate these to the material properties of the curing resin are presented in this paper. The results from the modeling are experimentally verified and show good agreement. The applicability of each testing method is discussed, and typical cure-monitoring curves are presented.     

非侵入式超声波浆料浓度测量技术研究*

设计了一种基于非侵入式超声波透射衰减法的浆料浓度测量系统,根据超声传播衰减原理,建立超声衰减值与浆料浓度之间的关系。实验中采用生物显微镜和激光粒度仪对颗粒标称粒径进行验证,采用中心频率为200 kHz的超声波换能器,利用一发一收模式对超声波在有机玻璃管内的浆料进行非侵入式测量并分析透射波信号,对体积百分浓度小于25%、不同粒径的石英砂浆料进行测量,通过拟合方法获得浆料温度、体积百分浓度与声衰减对应的关系,并据此构造浓度求解方程,通过现场实时在线测量并与取样结果进行对比验证方程的准确性,结果显示,本方法可有效测量浆料浓度。     

Measurement of the acoustic properties of a nerve-muscle preparation as a function of physiologic state

Nerve-muscle preparations of Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to low dosage ultrasound. The objectives were to measure the velocity of propagation and attenuation of ultrasonic energy in both the relaxed and contracted states. A tension-measuring system and associated ultrasonic instrumentation were designed to measure the tension developed in stimulated muscle and its corresponding acoustic parameters, ie the attenuation coefficient, (db cm^-1) and the velocity of propagation, c (ms^-1). Each test was performed at ultrasonic frequencies 3.1, 5.35, and 7.68 MHz and with the preparation maintained at 23 ± 0.5° C. Attenuation of ultrasonic energy was observed to increase by 10 ± 0.5% in the active state from its value in the relaxed state. The relation between the attenuation and the acoustic frequency was found to be approximately linear over the frequency range tested. The velocity of propagation in the active state did not change appreciably from its value in the relaxed state and was observed to be independent of the acoustic frequency in the range used.     

超声衰减法测量悬浊液中颗粒粒度和浓度

研究了由颗粒悬浊液中3个频率下声衰减系数测量颗粒粒度分布和浓度的方法。用FFT对测得的1,2和5 MHz 3个频率的声信号进行降噪后得到声幅度和声衰减系数,再根据描述不同频率下声衰减系数与颗粒粒径及浓度关系的ECAH模型,运用Philip-Twomey-NNLS算法和改进Chahine算法求解相关的第一类Fredholm方程,反演出颗粒的尺寸分布和浓度。用该方法对两种不同尺寸体积浓度为5%的玻璃微珠-水悬浊液颗粒进行测量,结果与显微镜法结果吻合。这表明:测量3个频率下的声衰减信号,结合Philip-Twomey-NNLS或改进的Chahine算法,可在较高浓度条件下较准确地测得颗粒粒度和浓度,从而简化了现有的高频率宽频带测量方法。     

A theoretical comparison of attenuation measurement techniques from backscattered ultrasound echoes

Accurate characterization of tissue pathologies using ultrasonic attenuation is strongly dependent on the accuracy of the algorithm that is used to obtain the attenuation coefficient estimates. In this paper, computer simulations were used to compare the accuracy and the precision of the three methods that are commonly used to estimate the local ultrasonic attenuation within a region of interest (ROI) in tissue; namely, the spectral log difference method, the spectral difference method, and the hybrid method. The effects of the inhomgeneities within the ROI on the accuracy of the three algorithms were studied, and the optimal ROI size (the number of independent echoes laterally and the number of pulse lengths axially) was quantified for each method. The three algorithms were tested for when the ROI was homogeneous, the ROI had variations in scatterer number density, and the ROI had variations in effective scatterer size. The results showed that when the ROI was homogeneous, the spectral difference method had the highest accuracy and precision followed by the spectral log difference method and the hybrid method, respectively. Also, when the scatterer number density varied, the spectral difference method completely failed, while the log difference method and hybrid method still gave good results. Lastly, when the scatterer size varied, all of the methods failed.     

窄带脉冲信号测量横波衰减系数-频率曲线的方法

提出一种测量材料超声横波衰减-频率曲线(α_s-f)的方法:应用窄带脉冲驱动接触式横波探头的脉冲反射方式,采用石英晶体作为耦合块,通过测量耦合块和被测试块耦合界面的声压反射和透射系数,并在衍射修正下测量得到单频率下的超声横波衰减系数;在探头有效带宽内改变发射频率并重复测量,得到不同频率下超声横波衰减系数数值;利用非线性最小二乘拟合方法得到其α_s-f曲线。采用该方法对铝合金6061材料的衰减系数进行测量,得到α_s-f曲线结果为α_s(f,2z)=0.32f^2.93,皮尔逊相关系数R为0.9864。测量结果与现有方法所得结果进行对比,本方法在单频率下的结果与现有方法吻合,表明本方法测量的有效性,而多频率测量的方法对研究材料α_s-f关系具有重要意义。     

Creating a collimated ultrasound beam in highly attenuating fluids

We have devised a method, based on a parametric array concept, to create a low-frequency (300-500 kHz) collimated ultrasound beam in fluids highly attenuating to sound. This collimated beam serves as the basis for designing an ultrasound visualization system that can be used in the oil exploration industry for down-hole imaging in drilling fluids. We present the results of two different approaches to generating a collimated beam in three types of highly attenuating drilling mud. In the first approach, the drilling mud itself was used as a nonlinear mixing medium to create a parametric array. However, the short absorption length in mud limits the mixing length and, consequently, the resulting beam is weak and broad. In the second improved approach, the beam generation process was confined to a separate “frequency mixing tube” that contained an acoustically non-linear, low attenuation medium (e.g., water) that allowed establishing a usable parametric array in the mixing tube. A low-frequency collimated beam was thus created prior to its propagation into the drilling fluid. Using the latter technique, the penetration depth of the low frequency ultrasound beam in the drilling fluid was significantly extended. We also present measurements of acoustic nonlinearity in various types of drilling mud.     

由动物软组织的超声散射回波估计声衰减系数

本文讨论了一种从超声散射回波进行衰减系数谱估计的原理和方法,并用所研制的一套全自动化谱测试系统对一系列新鲜离体动物软组织进行了实验研究。结果表明,测量精度与准确度都是令人满意的。文章最后指出,这种衰减谱估计方法因为能在活体条件下对组织进行定征而具有研究价值。     

Anomalous elastic behaviour of Bi-Pb-Ag composites

Bi-Pb and Bi-Pb-Ag superconducting composites have been prepared by the solid state reaction method. After the usual characterization, ultrasonic longitudinal velocity and attenuation studies have been undertaken over a temperature range 80–300 K by the pulse transmission technique. In contrast to normal solids, the ultrasonic velocities of both the samples in the temperature range 200-100 K are found to decrease with decreasing temperature (softening), followed by a velocity maximum. The samples are also found to exhibit longitudinal attenuation peaks at TEMPERATURES = 260, 160 and 120 K. An attempt has also been made to verify whether the Wachtman's equations can theoretically explain the low-temperature behaviour of the Young's modulus of these materials. A qualitative explanation for both the phenomena of softening of velocity as well as the occurrence of attenuation peaks is given.     

Dimensional analysis of aqueous magnetic fluids

A comparison of the synthesis and characterization of three aqueous magnetic fluids intended for biomedical applications is presented. Stable colloidal suspensions of iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a co-precipitation method with the magnetite cores being coated with β-cyclodextrin, tetramethylammonium hydroxide and citric acid. Rheological properties of the fluids were investigated, i.e. viscosity (capillary method) and surface tension (stalagmometric method) in correlation with their density (picnometric method). The dimensional distributions of the ferrophase particles physical diameter of these three magnetic fluids – revealed on the basis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data – as well as the diameter distributions of some other magnetic fluids presented in the literature, were comparatively analyzed using the box-plot statistical method. In order to extract complementary data on the magnetic diameter of an iron oxide core, magnetization measurements as well as X-ray diffraction pattern analysis were carried out. Interpretation of all the measurement data was accomplished by assessing the suitability of the three magnetic fluid samples from the viewpoint of their stability and biocompatibility. PACS 75.50.Mm; 61.46.Df; 68.37.Lp; 96.15.Pf; 75.75.+a     

Ultrasonic monitoring of zeolite synthesis in real time

Variations of the phase and amplitude of a transmitted ultrasonic wave package were monitored in real time during the synthesis of zeolite A and zeolite X. For both materials, characteristic changes of the measured attenuation and the sound velocity of ultrasonic waves traveling in the reaction fluid were observed, correlating with the processes of gel formation and zeolite crystallization, respectively. Aging effects of the reaction fluids are demonstrated. The observation of the onset of the zeolite crystallization was verified with ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements.     

Enhancing signal to noise ratio by fine-tuning tapers of cladded/uncladded buffer rods in ultrasonic time domain reflectometry in smelters

Buffer rods (BR) as waveguides in ultrasonic time domain reflectometry (TDR) can somewhat extend the range of industrial applications of ultrasonics. Level, temperature and flow measurements involving elevated temperatures, corrosive fluids and generally harsh environments are some of the applications in which conventional ultrasonic transducers cannot be used directly in contact with the media. In such cases, BRs with some design modifications can make ultrasonic TDR measurements possible with limited success. This paper deals with TDR in conjunction with distance measurements in extremely hot fluids, using conventional ultrasonic transducers in combination with BRs. When using BRs in the ultrasonic measurement systems in extreme temperatures, problems associated with size and the material of the buffer, have to be addressed. The resonant frequency of the transducer and the relative size of the transducer with respect to the diameter of BR are also important parameters influencing the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the signal processing system used in the ultrasonic TDR. This paper gives an overview of design aspects related to the BRs with special emphasis on tapers and cladding used on BRs. As protective cladding, zirconium oxide–yttrium oxide composite was used, with its proven thermal stability in withstanding temperatures in rocket and jet engines up to 1650 °C. In general a BR should guide the signals through to the medium and from and back to the transducer without excessive attenuation and at the same time not exacerbate the noise in the measurement system. The SNR is the decisive performance indicator to consider in the design of BR based ultrasonic TDR, along with appropriate transducer, with suitable size and operating frequency. This work presents and analyses results from extensive experiments related to fine-tuning both geometry of and signals in cladded/uncladded BRs used in high temperature ultrasonic TDR with focus on overall performance based on measured values of SNR.     

On-Line Particle Size Analysis Using Ultrasonic Velocity Spectrometry

A new method is described for the determination of particle size distribution of slurries based on ultrasonic velocity spectrometry combined with gamma-ray transmission. This method shares the advantages of ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy of being capable of analyzing highly concentrated samples without dilution. However the ultrasonic velocity method is better suited to fine particles of diameter from about 0.1 to 30 μm, a greater volume of slurry is analysed and therefore sampling errors are reduced, and precise theoretical models are readily available to permit the accurate determination of size distribution by inversion of ultrasonic velocity measurements. The method can also be used to accurately determine particle size cut points by linear correlation. Using either inversion or correlation methods, the accuracy of particle size information from ultrasonic velocity spectroscopy is significantly enhanced by the independent measurement of solids loading by gamma-ray transmission. In addition, larger sizes can be measured by combining the ultrasonic velocity method with ultrasonic attenuation measurements. The method has been tested in the laboratory on a wide variety of mineral and paint slurries. The method determined the size distribution of single component silica and alumina samples in water in agreement with laser diffraction measurements and the method successfully distinguished well and poorly dispersed TiO₂ suspensions. For composite samples the method discriminated separate TiO₂ and CaCO₃, components and determined their proportions to within 0.25% volume. In addition the method, in combination with ultrasonic attenuation measurements, determined the size fractions of iron ore slurries below 10 and 30 μm to within 1.3% and 1.0% relative respectively, when compared with laser diffraction measurement of particle size. The CSIRO is presently designing an industrial gauge which will be manufactured and installed in an industrial slurry stream in 1997.     

Ultrasonic monitoring of suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride

Attenuation and velocity of bulk longitudinal ultrasonic waves were measured during the commercial suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride in the frequency range of a few hundred kHz to one MHz. The reproducibility of ultrasonic measurements is determined mainly by the reproducibility of polymerization technology. Measurements of attenuation during the polymerization process indicate such effects as local cavitation, boiling or foaming of the vinyl chloride polymerization system. The ultrasonic attenuation against polymerization time curve predicts morphological properties of the final polyvinyl chloride product. It was found that the magnitude of the ultrasonic velocity is in close correlation with the degree of conversion of vinyl chloride, and ultrasonic velocimetry can effectively be used for continuous monitoring of conversion degree during polymerization.     

Evaluation of ultrasonic attenuation without invoking the diffraction correction separately

A method is presented for the ultrasonic attenuation measurement as a function of frequency using a broad band transducer. The diffraction correction has been introduced in the expression such that an algorithm may be developed for evaluation of attenuation directly. This eliminates the introduction of the diffraction correction curve separately. Results are presented for various types of aluminium alloys. The method is suitable for samples placed a distance further than three times the near field and which have a size much larger than the transducer.     

Sand/cement ratio evaluation on mortar using neural networks and ultrasonic transmission inspection

The quality and degradation state of building materials can be determined by nondestructive testing (NDT). These materials are composed of a cementitious matrix and particles or fragments of aggregates. Sand/cement ratio (s/c) provides the final material quality; however, the sand content can mask the matrix properties in a nondestructive measurement. Therefore, s/c ratio estimation is needed in nondestructive characterization of cementitious materials. In this study, a methodology to classify the sand content in mortar is presented. The methodology is based on ultrasonic transmission inspection, data reduction, and features extraction by principal components analysis (PCA), and neural network classification. This evaluation is carried out with several mortar samples, which were made while taking into account different cement types and s/c ratios. The estimated s/c ratio is determined by ultrasonic spectral attenuation with three different broadband transducers (0.5, 1, and 2 MHz). Statistical PCA to reduce the dimension of the captured traces has been applied. Feed-forward neural networks (NNs) are trained using principal components (PCs) and their outputs are used to display the estimated s/c ratios in false color images, showing the s/c ratio distribution of the mortar samples.     

Acoustic wave in a suspension of magnetic nanoparticle with sodium oleate coating

The ultrasonic propagation in the water-based magnetic fluid with doubled layered surfactant shell was studied. The measurements were carried out both in the presence as well as in the absence of the external magnetic field. The thickness of the surfactant shell was evaluated by comparing the mean size of magnetic grain extracted from magnetization curve with the mean hydrodynamic diameter obtained from differential centrifugal sedimentation method. The thickness of surfactant shell was used to estimate volume fraction of the particle aggregates consisted of magnetite grain and surfactant layer. From the ultrasonic velocity measurements in the absence of the applied magnetic field, the adiabatic compressibility of the particle aggregates was determined. In the external magnetic field, the magnetic fluid studied in this article becomes acoustically anisotropic, i.e., velocity and attenuation of the ultrasonic wave depend on the angle between the wave vector and the direction of the magnetic field. The results of the ultrasonic measurements in the external magnetic field were compared with the hydrodynamic theory of Ovchinnikov and Sokolov (velocity) and with the internal chain dynamics model of Shliomis, Mond and Morozov (attenuation).