Method and system for determining the distance to an acoustically reflective object in a conduit
US10725174B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01H9/008
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems for estimating a distance between an acoustic sensor and an acoustic reflector in a conduit are disclosed. One such method includes using the acoustic sensor to measure a combined acoustic signal that comprises an originating acoustic signal propagating along the conduit and an echo signal. The echo signal is generated by the originating acoustic signal reflecting off the acoustic reflector after propagating past the acoustic sensor. A frequency domain representation of the combined acoustic signal is determined and the echo signal is identified by identifying in the frequency domain representation periodic oscillations having a peak-to-peak difference between 0.75 Hz and 1500 Hz. The distance between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic reflector is determined from the velocity of the echo signal and a time required for the echo signal to propagate between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic reflector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.