Acoustic sensing for fuel quality assessment

Title : Acoustic sensing for fuel quality assessment

Abstract:

The scope of adding an ultrasonic sensor to analyze and monitor the behavior, characteristics, and properties of any liquid is of high importance in several industries particularly in the oil, gas, and aerospace sectors. Industries typically working with petroleum and hydrometallurgy use an ultrasonic sensor to detect any liquid-liquid interface. The usage of advanced instrumentation systems allows for estimation of the location of the interface by analyzing the speed of sound in both liquids without any manual intervention. This non-destructive system has potential to detect of any liquids without prior knowledge of their acoustic properties. The system can also be used to detect any contaminated particulate matter or emulsion in the liquid. One of the ways an ultrasonic sensor functions is by using the pulse-echo technique that allows the sound wave to travel and reflect from the interface of the fuel and or air. Current work implements a new method of acoustic sensing technology to embark in the detection of fuel quality as an indicator to quantify aging process. In literature, studies have used ultrasonic senor for a more reliable, accurate, and simple way to detect any contamination in hydrocarbon substances such as petroleum. This work uses ultrasonic technology for kerosene-based fuels. Non-destructive ultrasonic sensor technology is used to detect and classify the quality of fuel as good, marginal, and contaminated by developing correlation models based on experimental data. Results indicate good correlation between the type of fuel/liquid and the time of flight obtained. In future, the technology can be extended to detect any mixing of fuels, aging process and corrosion detection of oil and gas pipelines based on real-time acoustic sensing.

Audience Take Away:

• Experimental and modeling approach for potential material recognition using acoustic waves.
• Relevant to fuel mixing in pipelines, fuel degradation and structural integrity concerns.
• Benefits include use of the sensing technique applicable to oil, gas and aerospace industries.

Biography:

Dr. Aravelli is a Research Scientist and a faculty at Florida International University. She received Ph.D. and M.S degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Miami and West Virginia University respectively. Dr. Aravelli’ s research and industrial experience span broad areas of engineering including sensors, robotics, building energy systems modeling, engine emissions and optimization. Dr. Aravelli has published a book titled “Real-Time Measurement of Oxides of Nitrogen from Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines” and authored several journal and conference publications. She is currently conducting research under federally funded projects on nuclear and aerospace applications.