System and method for detecting objects in a fluid system

摘要

A system is provided in one embodiment for real-time detection of an object in a fluid without interfering with fluid flow. The system may include a sensor element coupled to a fluid passage, which can transmit energy substantially parallel to the flow direction of a fluid in the fluid passage and receive energy reflected from an incident object in the fluid. Reflected energy can also be analyzed as a function of object size and material such that an object can be classified or characterized through appropriate signal analysis. A method is provided in another embodiment for detecting an object in a fluid passage. The method may include transmitting ultrasonic energy through an interface membrane into the fluid and receiving ultrasonic energy reflected from the object. A pressure change in the reflected ultrasonic energy may be measured and converted to a signal for an output device.

主权项

1. A method for detecting an object in a fluid in a fluid passage, comprising:
channeling the fluid around a bend within the fluid passage, the bend having a radius of curvature; providing an interface membrane, the interface membrane having a curvature to match the radius of curvature of the bend, the interface membrane being configured to channel the fluid around the radius of curvature; coupling an ultrasonic transducer to the fluid passage; aligning the ultrasonic transducer such that the ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic energy in a longitudinal direction relative to a flow path of the fluid passing through the fluid passage around the bend; transmitting ultrasonic energy through the interface membrane into the fluid at a longitudinal direction relative to the flow path; receiving ultrasonic energy reflected from the object; measuring a pressure change in the reflected ultrasonic energy; and converting the pressure change to a signal to an output device.