Apparatus and method for visualization of particles suspended in a fluid and fluid flow patterns using ultrasound
An apparatus and method for real-time visualization of particulate matter suspended in a static or flowing fluid and fluid flow patterns in a pipe, tube, conduit, or other container, are described. Ultrasonic scanning and detection of scattered sound from the particles in the fluid create a real-time image of the particles, or of flow patterns in the liquid. A mechanical wobbler directs a piezoelectric transducer over a chosen angle in an oscillatory manner. The transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode wherein the same transducer detects the return signal from the target region through which particles are passing and/or a flow is present. The pulse-echo measurements are made rapidly and continuously during a single sweep of the transducer over the chosen angle. Received signals are processed in the ultrasound scanner electronics module and displayed as an image in real-time.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-06NA25396
- Assignee:
- Triad National Security, LLC (Los Alamos, NM)
- Patent Number(s):
- 10,605,640
- Application Number:
- 13/225,787
- OSTI ID:
- 1637764
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 09/06/2011
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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