Ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy of industrial slurries

Using measurements of attenuation coefficients over a wide frequency range one can obtain particle size distribution (PSD) functions for concentrated colloidal suspensions. This paper deals with experimental aspects of ultrasonic spectroscopy. Recent activity in instrumentation for ultrasonic spectroscopy of emulsions and suspensions is briefly reviewed. The measurement issues related to calculations of attenuation coefficients using tone-burst signals are outlined showing significance of using the variable pathlength mode of operation, broadband transducers, and wide dynamic-range signal processing hardware. Sensitivity analysis of attenuation coefficient spectra in relation to changes in the PSDs is presented.