Ultrasonic viscometer and methods of measuring solids concentration
This report describes the progress made in FY 1997 on the development of an on-line ultrasonic instrument for measuring fluid density, viscosity, and solids concentration in a slurry transport line. The instrument was developed to support the tank-waste transport effort undertaken by the US Department of Energy to treat low-level nuclear waste. A prototype instrument was built and performance-tested at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Significant measurement biases were detected in both fluid density and viscosity data. The biases were mainly the result of process temperature variation, which changes the signals that propagate in transducer wedges. With proper temperature calibration, the instrument can achieve an accuracy of {+-}1% and {+-}3% when used to measure density and viscosity, respectively. Ultrasonic attenuation and speed-of-sound techniques are involved when the instrument is used to measure solids concentration. Test results show that the attenuation techniques give a better correlation with solids concentration and can be used to monitor solids concentrations up to 30% by weight for ka <1 (where k = ultrasonic wave number and a = particle diameter). Measurement problems and suggested remediations are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., Energy Technology Div., IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 290872
- Report Number(s):
- ANL--98/17; ON: DE99001066
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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