Acoustic Method for Monitoring Level, Density and Viscosity of Multilayer Liquids in Tanks

We propose an acoustic method for comprehensive monitoring of the parameters of multilayered liquids, based on the analysis of propagation of an ultrasonic signal from the acoustic emitter up the reservoir. In order to implement the method, a vertical series of acoustic receivers is installed above the emitter at a known distance to provide reception and analysis of the signal. This method improves the accuracy and reliability of parameter measurements, and also eliminates the need for an additional sound-collecting waveguide and reference reflectors, which are usually used for high-precision measurements. To enable measurements, we consider various options for the placement of media relative to acoustic receivers, on the basis of which a signal processing algorithm is developed. A prototype device has been created, which, when using cost-effective components, showed errors of compatible measurement of 0.1%, density of 5% and viscosity of 12%.