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 measurementsflow 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.

Mass Flowrate Measurement of Slurry Using Coriolis Flowmeters and Data Driven Modeling

“…Therefore, significant efforts have been devoted to address the challenges of slurry flow metering over the past few decades. As conventional flow measurement techniques, acoustic sensors [9], differential pressure devices incorporating pressure transducers [10] or venturi meters [11] have been used for slurry flow measurements. However, these methods have some limitations, for instance, in acoustic methods the external noise negatively affecting the measurement performance or blockage at the constricted area of a venturi meter.…”