Real-Time In-Situ Measurement of Slurry Concentration Distribution in Tanks

Abstract

Ultrasonic signals are well suited for characterization of multiphase fluid properties and flows. The signals are not degraded by noisy process conditions, can penetrate vessel and piping walls, and can be used to interrogate fluids and dense opaque suspensions. This paper presents a simple ultrasonic measurement application that shows the ability of ultrasonic sensors to measure slurry concentration during slurry mixing in tanks. 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 means of the ultrasonic measurements with means obtained from discrete extractive measurements show that the distributions overlap and cannot be statistically distinguished.