Ultrasonic methods for characterization of liquids and slurries

In the field of process monitoring and control technology, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is utilizing unique technical capabilities and drawing upon knowledge gained through many years of government- and industry-sponsored research activities to develop and deploy advanced sensor and measurement systems for the monitoring and control of process operations. This includes non-invasive, on-line and realtime technologies that use ultrasound characterization to measure the physical and chemical properties of flowing materials, such as liquids and slurries. Ultrasonic velocity, attenuation, reflection coefficients, and scattering amplitudes are measurable parameters related to fundamental physical properties of fluids and slurries of interest to food processors and manufacturers of consumer products. Accordingly, ultrasonic methodologies have been developed that offer on-line, real-time analysis of many physical properties, including particle size distribution, concentration, settling and plug formation, fluid viscosity, density and shear rate, fouling and pipeline wall buildup detection, liquid-liquid interface detection, and chemical identity confirmation.