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Noninvasive liquid level sensing with laser generated ultrasonic waves.
Howuk Kim1, Bharat Balagopal2, Sean Kerrigan3
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea.
Ultrasonics
|January 22, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a noninvasive liquid level sensor for nuclear power plants using laser-generated ultrasound. This method offers stable performance and easier maintenance compared to intrusive sensors.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Materials Science
- Acoustics
Background:
- Intrusive liquid level sensors in nuclear power plants require frequent maintenance and are susceptible to environmental variations like temperature and radiation.
- Existing sensing technologies pose challenges for stable operation and system upkeep in demanding nuclear environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a noninvasive liquid level sensing technique for nuclear power plant coolant systems.
- To overcome the limitations of intrusive sensors, enhancing safety, stability, and maintainability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized laser-generated ultrasound waves for nonintrusive liquid level detection by attaching sensors to the exterior of the liquid vessel.
- Developed a mathematical model correlating guided ultrasound wave signal intensity dissipation with liquid level.
- Employed nonlinear multivariable regression for data analysis under varying temperature and liquid level conditions.
Main Results:
- The noninvasive sensing approach demonstrated effective liquid level measurement by analyzing the dissipation of guided ultrasound waves.
- Experimental validation confirmed the sensor's performance under elevated temperatures.
- The mathematical model and regression analysis accurately correlated sensor signals with liquid levels.
Conclusions:
- The proposed laser-ultrasound based noninvasive liquid level sensing technique is a viable and robust alternative for nuclear power plant applications.
- This method enhances operational safety and reduces maintenance burdens associated with traditional intrusive sensors.
