METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE DISTANCE TO AN ACOUSTICALLY REFLECTIVE OBJECT IN A CONDUIT

摘要

Methods and systems for estimating a distance between an acoustic sensor and an acoustic reflector in a conduit are disclosed. One such method includes using the acoustic sensor to measure a combined acoustic signal that comprises an originating acoustic signal propagating along the conduit and an echo signal. The echo signal is generated by the originating acoustic signal reflecting off the acoustic reflector after propagating past the acoustic sensor. A frequency domain representation of the combined acoustic signal is determined and the echo signal is identified by identifying in the frequency domain representation periodic oscillations having a peak-to-peak difference between 0.75Hz and 1500Hz. The distance between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic reflector is determined from the velocity of the echo signal and a time required for the echo signal to propagate between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic reflector.