Monitoring changing parameters in inaccessible environments - e.g., corrosion in reactors, by detecting change in resonant frequency of vibrating probe

摘要

A probe is caused to vibrate from an external energy source, and its resonant frequency monitored. Changes in environmental parameters cause a change in the resonant frequency and can thereby be detected and monitored. A probe may take the form of a strip or bar or circular section, and may, e.g. be made of the material whose corrosion rate is to be monitored. The probe is vibrated at a frequency of 0.3-3.0 Hz by an externally mounted electrically driven energy source, connected to the probe by a rigid coupling. Used for on-line monitoring of corrosion or solids deposition within chemical reactors or equipment such as turbines or compressors and for the detection of ice formation outside buildings or on aircraft wings. Monitoring in inaccessible situations is readily possible so that expensive plant shut-downs for internal inspection are minimised.