System with sonic sensor for detection and monitoring of fluid processing characteristics
US11703435B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/02836
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for detecting characteristics of a fluid includes a sonic sensor. The sonic sensor includes a transducer, a transduction surface, and an acoustically reflective pad member. The transducer may be contained within a probe body, and the transduction surface may be an element of the probe body. A stem may connect the pad member to the transduction surface. The transducer will generate pulses that are transmitted to the pad member via a fluid when the transduction surface and pad member are immersed in the fluid. The system will detect the pulses when reflected and use that data to determine a speed of sound within the fluid. The system may use the speed of sound to determine density, specific gravity and/or stiffness of the fluid. The system may use that determination to assess a level of processing activity of the fluid, such as fermentation activity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.