Integrated self-calibrating device for simultaneous monitoring of interface position and oil layer thickness

通过建立和测试装置的工作样机，展示了一种新型的基于超声波的界面位置和油层厚度监测装置。在过去的几年里，我们实验室的测量技术得到了发展和进步。它主要是基于超声波在介质中的传播，需要采集时域信号以供在线应用。这项技术的概念验证和在线测量能力已经在实验室的现有硬件上得到了验证。该样机将用于研究该装置在工业相关的不同运行条件下的监测适用性。将研究在混乱或异常情况下测量的准确性，以提供更多信息和适当的警告。需要对液-液和液-固分离系统中的界面进行持续监测，以防止在许多过程中不需要的相逃逸到下一个处理步骤。对于一个潜在的应用，新设备将有助于满足向下水道系统排放水的环境法规，并避免处罚。新设备将基于适当安装和集成的超声波传感器，以提供所需的功能。这些包括自我校准、易于维护和清理，以及检测悬浮颗粒的存在和积聚的能力。该设备将利用超声波硬件和电子小型化的最新发展，为目标市场开发紧凑和低成本的产品。据估计，未来几年北美对这种设备的需求在30万到40万台之间。一家有意将该产品商业化的加拿大公司已经确定，预计将从需求中受益，并利用其在市场上的地位。

A novel ultrasonic based device for monitoring of interface position and oil layer thickness will be demonstrated by building and testing a working prototype of the device. The measurement technique has been developed and advanced in our laboratory over the last few years. It is mainly based on ultrasonic wave propagating through the media and requires acquisition of the time domain signal for online applications. The proof of concept and online measurement capability of this technique for bench scale applications have been demonstrated using available hardware in our laboratory. The prototype will be used to study applicability of the unit for monitoring under different operating conditions of industrial relevance. The accuracy of measurements under upset or abnormal conditions will be studied to provide additional information and appropriate warning. Continuous monitoring of the interface in liquid-liquid and liquid-solid separation systems is required to prevent escape of undesirable phase to next processing step in a number of processes. For one potential application, the new device will help meet environmental regulations for discharge waters into sewer system and avoid penalties. The new device will be based on ultrasonic sensors suitably mounted and integrated to provide desirable features. These include self calibration, ease of maintenance and clean up and ability to detect presence and build up of suspended particles. The device will take advantage of recent developments in ultrasonic hardware and electronics miniaturization to develop a compact and low cost product for the targeted market. The estimated demand for such a device in North America is in the range of 300 to 400 thousand units over the next few years. A Canadian company interested in commercializing the product has been identified and is expected to benefit from the demand and capitalize on its position in the marketplace.