A method and apparatus for determining the particle size distribution, the solids content and the solute concentration of a suspension of solids in a solution bearing a solute

摘要

A measurement system (45) includes a tank (46) having an inlet and outlet (47, 48) through which a sample (49) flows prior and subsequent to measurement. A stirrer (50) disposed near the base of tank (46) maintains a well mixed solution within the tank. Two immersion probes (52, 53) extend downwardly into the tank and include respective support tubes (54, 55) and sensor portions (56, 57). The sensor portions include respective gamma-ray transmission gauges and four pairs of ultrasonic transducers operating at different frequencies. Accordingly, probes (52, 53) allow the measurement of attenuation and velocity of high and low frequency ultrasound through the sample as well as measurement of attenuation of electromagnetic radiation through the sample. These measurements are utilised to derive an estimate of the solute concentration, particle size distribution, concentration of solids and suspension and the solute concentration of the sample.