Abstract: A system for determining characteristics of a multiphase fluid includes pipe and multiple pairs of transducers positioned circumferentially around the pipe. Each pair of transducers includes a transmitting transducer and a receiving transducer. The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is oriented to transmit a respective acoustic signal toward the receiving transducer of the pair of transducers. The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is operable to transmit the respective acoustic signal sequentially with respect to other transmitting transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers. A reception of a first acoustic signal transmitted by a transmitting transducer of a first pair transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers is completed by a receiving transducer of the first pair transducers before a transmitting transducer of another pair of transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers transmits a second acoustic signal.

Abstract: An acoustic brake system includes one or more transducers configured to couple to an external wall of a pipe. The one or more transducers are configured to generate a standing wave within the pipe. The standing wave comprises one or more nodes within the pipe. When a particulate-laden fluid flows through the pipe, a plurality of particulates move towards the nodes and away from a wall of the pipe. The acoustic brake system also includes a function generator electrically coupled to the one or more transducers and configured to drive the one or more transducers.

Abstract: A system for determining characteristics of a multiphase fluid includes pipe and multiple pairs of transducers positioned circumferentially around the pipe. Each pair of transducers includes a transmitting transducer and a receiving transducer. The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is oriented to transmit a respective acoustic signal toward the receiving transducer of the pair of transducers. The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is operable to transmit the respective acoustic signal sequentially with respect to other transmitting transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers. A reception of a first acoustic signal transmitted by a transmitting transducer of a first pair transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers is completed by a receiving transducer of the first pair transducers before a transmitting transducer of another pair of transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers transmits a second acoustic signal.

Abstract: A method for measuring variations of the surface of an object using acoustic energy in the audio range is provided. Imaging fine surface roughness on the order of few microns is achievable by using a vibroacoustography technique. This technique provides a method for imaging surface roughness on the basis of an ultrasound radiation force that stimulates acoustic emissions at an ultrasound standing wave field. The present invention may be employed as a tool for the nondestructive inspection and imaging of the surface variations of an object.

Abstract: A method for measuring variations of the surface of an object using acoustic energy in the audio range is provided. Imaging fine surface roughness on the order of few microns is achievable by using a vibroacoustography technique. This technique provides a method for imaging surface roughness on the basis of an ultrasound radiation force that stimulates acoustic emissions at an ultrasound standing wave field. The present invention may be employed as a tool for the nondestructive inspection and imaging of the surface variations of an object.