Description of Non-Intrusive Sonar Array-Based Technology and its Application to Unique and Difficult Slurry and Paste Flow Measurements


== Abstract ==

In this presentation, CiDRA’s patented technology platform and its applications will be described. CiDRA's non-invasive, passive sonar array-based flow meter technology performs two independent measurements – flow rate and fluid characterization. Firstly, the meter provides the volumetric flow rate of the mixture by measuring the speed at which naturally occurring structures such as turbulent eddies or density variations convect with the flow past an axial array of sensors. Secondly, the meter uses similar sonar-based processing techniques and naturally occurring sound in the process slurry to measure entrained air levels and in some cases fluid composition. The result is a unique ability to measure the flow rate and entrained air level of most fluids – clean liquids, high solids content slurries, pastes, and liquids and slurries with entrained air. Also to be presented is the application of this array-based technology platform in a variety of hydrotransport and minerals beneficiation applications. Examples of these situations include volume flow measurements in tailings lines, thickener discharge, high solids contents pipelines, slurry lines with magnetite and other magnetic ore, slurry lines with abrasive or corrosive materials, high pressure lines, and slurry and nonslurry lines exhibiting scale buildup. The operational advantages and value of these measurements, even in the presence of scale buildup, will be discussed. Recent developments in extending this technology to solve other unique measurement problems such as valve movement confirmation, non-invasive slurry profiling, and sanding detection will be covered.


== Original document ==

The different versions of the original document can be found in:

* [http://dx.doi.org/10.36487/acg_repo/863_28 http://dx.doi.org/10.36487/acg_repo/863_28]

* [http://www.cidra.com/sites/default/files/document_library/BI0339_Paste_2008_022508_final.pdf http://www.cidra.com/sites/default/files/document_library/BI0339_Paste_2008_022508_final.pdf]

* [https://cidra.com/sites/default/files/document_library/BI0339_Paste_022508_final.pdf https://cidra.com/sites/default/files/document_library/BI0339_Paste_022508_final.pdf],
: [https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/863_28_O'Keefe https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/863_28_O'Keefe],
: [https://academic.microsoft.com/#/detail/270521928 https://academic.microsoft.com/#/detail/270521928]