Ultrasonic attenuation in solutions of kaolin and samples from reservoir with various thermal conditions

Abstract

Multiphase suspensions systems are extensively used in hydrology, biochemical, and food industry. Ultrasonic spectroscopy is a rapid, on-line, and non-invasive measurement technique for the characterization of suspension over a wide range of particle size and concentration. Although kaolin has already been investigated extensively the ultrasonic attenuation property of kaolin against concentration with various temperatures has not been reported yet. This paper provides a series measurement results of ultrasonic attenuation of kaolin under a wide range of concentrations (0 ~ 300,000 ppm) and various temperatures (5 ~ 25degC). Besides, the ultrasonic attenuation of silt of Shihmen reservoir in Taiwan has been measured. The mean radii for the silt ranged from 4 to 8 mum. Results show that the variation of attenuation is driven by concentration and temperature. Based on these results as calibration data, an ultrasonic system is then designed and manufactured for real-time monitoring the silt concentration of the Shihmen reservoir.