Device for use in industrial process on-line determination of particle size distribution, and methods of use

摘要

A flow-through device for use on-line in a conduit and capable of determining real-time characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium is disclosed. The device uses a sensor and a flow-through cell. The sensor has a stationary transducer positioned in a wall of the flow-through conduit to emit sound waves into the medium and a reflector or a second stationary transducer positioned opposite the transducer. The sensor provides a plurality of different acoustic path lengths through the medium between the transducer and reflector, thereby providing a plurality of different acoustic path lengths in the sensor and no moving parts for the transducer and reflectors. A method for determining the characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium in real time for an industrial process using the flow-through device also is disclosed. Further, a method of controlling particle size distribution in real time in a process using the flow-through device is disclosed.

主权项

1. A flow-through device for use on-line in a conduit capable of determining real-time characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium, the device comprising a sensor conduit, wherein the sensor comprises:
a first stationary transducer positioned in a wall of the device to emit sound waves into the medium; and a fixed reflector or a second stationary transducer positioned opposite the first stationary transducer, wherein the sensor provides a plurality of different acoustic path lengths through the medium between the transducer and reflector or between the two transducers, thereby providing a plurality of different acoustic path lengths in the sensor without moving the transducers or reflector, wherein the first transducer is both an emitter and a receiver, wherein the first transducer includes a delay, and wherein the delay is implemented using a quartz rod having an end with a stepped configuration with a plurality of surfaces opposite and facing a single mirror reflector surface to provide a plurality of different echo path lengths.