ACOUSTIC METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A MEDIUM

摘要

An acoustic method and apparatus for detection or characterization of a medium comprised in a structure. Typically, the structure is a container, such as e.g. a pipe line for transportation of oil, gas or hydrocarbon condensate. A pulse of broad banded acoustic energy is emitted towards said structure by a first transducer means. A return signal is generating by a second transducer means from acoustic energy returned from said structure in response to said emitting. A return signal spectrum representing acoustic spectral components of said acoustic energy returned from said structure is derived from said return signal, and said medium is detected or characterized by applying a return signal processing medium detection or charaterization algorithm to said return signal spectrum.