CiDRA Technical Paper-FLUMIN 2007: Applications of Non-Intrusive SONAR Technology in Hydrotransport

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 provides the volumetric flow rate of single or multiphase fluids 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. These sensors are incorporated in a band that is wrapped around the outside of the pipe, resulting in no process downtimes for installation and unprecedented reliability. This technology has resulted in a unique ability to measure the flow rate of most fluids – clean liquids, high solids content slurries, pastes, and liquids and slurries with entrained air. Unique and difficult minerals processing and hydrotransport flow measurement problems and their solutions will be described, such as high solids content slurries, pastes, and liquids and slurries with entrained air.

Recent developments in extending this technology to solve other unique hydrotransport measurement problems will also be presented. Applications to be discussed include non-invasive slurry velocity profiling, and sanding detection which make use of the unique ability to measure localized velocities within a slurry pipe. Additionally, applications such as valve movement detection make use of the unique ability to measure overall frequency selectable sound levels within a process pipe to provide acoustic condition monitoring.