Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Supervisor
Parsa, Vijay
2nd Supervisor
Briens, Cedric
Co-Supervisor
Abstract
This thesis explores non-intrusive acoustic methods to measure liquid flow rates in fluid coking processes. Traditional intrusive techniques are impractical in harsh reactor conditions. Experiments with commercial-scale spray nozzles demonstrated that acoustic emissions from the nozzle conduit, coupled with passive and active denoising techniques, can be correlated to the liquid flow rate. Key findings include reliable flow rate predictions despite varying gas flow rates and vibrations. Adaptive filtering provided effective denoising while wavelet methods were ineffective. The proposed method provides accurate liquid flow rate prediction and suggests broader industrial applications.
Summary for Lay Audience
Fluid coking is a process used in the petroleum industry to convert heavy oils into more valuable products. It involves spraying heavy oil into a fluidized bed of hot coke particles. The quality of this spray, which affects the efficiency of the process, is influenced by the liquid flow rate and the gas-to-liquid ratio. Accurately measuring these parameters in the harsh environment of a fluid coker has always been a challenge.
This research investigates a novel method to measure liquid flow rates in fluid coking processes using acoustic signals. Traditional methods, which involve direct contact with the fluid, are not practical in the extreme conditions of a fluid coker reactor. This research explores non-intrusive acoustic methods as a practical and efficient alternative.
The study conducted experiments using commercial-scale nozzles in a controlled environment. By analyzing the acoustic signals produced by the spray, strong correlations between specific acoustic features and the liquid flow rate. This method involves placing microphones near the nozzles and using digital signal processing techniques to filter out noise and analyze the sound.
This research represents a significant step forward in the non-intrusive measurement of liquid flow rates. By providing a reliable and practical method, it could improve the efficiency and safety of various industrial processes. The successful integration of acoustic measurement with advanced denoising techniques highlights the potential for innovative solutions in challenging environments.
Recommended Citation
Feng, Tiancheng, "Liquid Flow Rate from Acoustic Measurements" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10374.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10374