ULTRASONICALLY DETERMINING FLOW PARAMETERS OF A FLUID FLOWING THROUGH A PASSAGE, BY USING FAR-FIELD ANALYSIS

摘要

Ultrasonically determining flow parameters of a fluid (12) flowing through a passage (14), using far-field analysis. Includes: (a) acquiring near field amplitude and phase change values of ultrasound waves transmitted (30) into, propagating through, and scattered (32) by, the flowing fluid; (b) determining far-field scattering amplitude distribution, A(theta, delta f), as two dimensional function of scattering angle, theta, and Doppler frequency shift, delta f, from the acquired near field amplitude and phase change values; and (c) determining flow parameters (peak velocity, velocity distribution, flow rate) of the flowing fluid, from the scattering amplitude distribution. Implementable using 'clamp-on' techniques including ultrasound wave transmitter and ultrasound wave detector array, clamped on, in an oppositely facing configuration, to the passage, for transmitting and detecting ultrasound waves propagating perpendicular to net flow direction of the flowing fluid. Applicable to different fluids (liquid or/and gas) flowing through different passages (channels, conduits, or ducts) of different types and sizes of processes.