Method and apparatus for cavitation threshold characterization and control
US7443079B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0318
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for characterizing cavitation that occurs in a fluid exposed to acoustic energy. The apparatus comprises a vessel for holding the fluid; an acoustic energy generating means for generating acoustic energy, the acoustic energy generating means being positioned to transmit the acoustic energy into the fluid while the fluid is held in the vessel; and a cavitation detection means for detecting cavitation in the fluid held in the vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the cavitation detection means comprises a light detection means, such as a photomultiplier tube, that detects sonoluminescent emission from the fluid. The method comprises the steps of exposing a volume of process fluid to acoustic energy at a specified power level; measuring the photon output from the fluid over a period of time; and when the photon output deviates from a desired level, initiating a remedial step to bring the photon output back to approximately the desired level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.