System and Method for Acoustically Imaging an Underground Tank

摘要

This invention provides a system and method for imaging the contents of a tankwhich includes a vertically arranged transducer array. The transducer array includes at least one transducer unit. This at least one transducer unit has at least a first acoustic signal transmitting member which produces at least one acoustic signal. The at least one transducer unit includes at least one acoustic signal receiving member which is typically disposed generally vertically below the at least one acoustic transmitting member. The acoustic receiving member receives at least the one acoustic signal from the acoustic transmitting member The transducer array is placed proximate and in acoustic contact with liquid saturated filler material proximate at least one side of the tank whose contents is being imaged. The liquid saturated filler material allows the acoustic signal to reach and penetrate the tank. A transducer unit or array controller is electrically coupled to the transducer array, for controlling and producing the acoustic signals and for analyzing received or reflected acoustic signals. The transducer array can also include at least a second acoustic transducer unit including a second transmitting member disposed generally vertically below the at least one acoustic receiving member. This second acoustic transmitting member produces at least a second acoustic signal, wherein the at least one acoustic receiving member receives the first and second reflected acoustic signals. The transducer array can include a plurality of these transducer units, commonly to a length or depth of 24 feet. The acoustic receiving member in the preferred embodiment comprises a dipole element for allowing directionality both in the transmitted and received acoustic signals. The transducer units and transducer array are preferably ceramic transducers. (KAR) p. 4-5.