PRODUCTS

m3000u USS

Ultrasound Spectroscopy

Ultrasonic Spectroscopy (USS) is the characterisation of the ultrasonic response of a material to the propagation of a low level Ultrasonic wave. It has a number of inherent and useful features:

· Non-destructive, Non-Intrusive and inline

· Can be used on opaque samples

· Can be used on both liquids and soft solids

· Simple sample handling with no requirement for manual intervention

· Able to operate over a wide range of frequencies

ITS has developed an Ultrasonic Spectroscopy instrument the m3000Uss which measures the ultrasonic attenuation and velocity of liquids and soft solids, and determines both the complex Bulk Modulus and viscosity. In addition the instrument is sensitive to changes in Particle size distribution and concentration. In addition to the advantages of the US measurement technique the m3000Uss ultrasound rheometer has a number of benefit over existing technologies

The m3000Uss System

The m3000Uss ultrasound spectroscopy system is based on the use of transient pulse measurements and is specifically developed for in-situ or on-line applications. The use of fast transient method allows data collection in real time allowing the use of the system on dynamic and rapidly evolving applications, such as crystallization.

The System is unique in that it is single button operation with an intelligent control system managing the measurement process. Hence the technique does not require the user to have a knowledge of the technique in order to use the system and collect data.

The sensor itself is custom designed to match the application, The sensor also does not require adjustments of transducer spacing’s during measurement and hence the sensors are robust and process compatible. The sensor can either be a flow through cell for pipes or a dip in probe for reactors and large vessels.

Ultrasound Rheology

The rheology of a material can be calculated directly from the ultrasonic wave number. In the case of liquids the measured ultrasonic response is due to the longitudinal compressional propagation mode and hence the rheological parameter calculated is due to the compressional modulus.

The Advantages of using USS for rheology are

· Unlike Viscometers USS does not assume Newtonian behaviour and hence can provide greater information on complex rheology.

· USS length scales ensure that visco elasticity is linear and simplifies analysis

· USS is more sensitive at detecting start of processes, does not require bulk of material to be modified before detection.

In addition, for some applications bulk modulus is a more useful measure of material performance, while for others the of bulk modulus is complimentary to standard low frequency shear modulus and can be used to infer low frequency performance. USS can provide an in-situ characterisation solution without the implementation complexity required for standard rotating or oscillated installations.

Download: Ultrasonic Determination of Rheological Properties

A paper on the application of ERT and Ultrasound is available on request, if you would like a copy of this please contact:

Richard Tweedie
T:+44 (161) 838 9081
richard.tweedie@itoms.com