Sonar transducer system and method of processing data
View Patent ↗In a sonar-based transducer system, single or multiple transducers may collect and transmit data to a management module for analysis to optimize and/or control a process. Secondary sensors may provide additional product data for analysis. Historical data may be stored in a data library for future reference. Real time data may be transmitted to a control center via a virtual dashboard.
1. A sonar transducer apparatus for detecting the fluid/fluid and fluid/solid interfaces in a vessel, comprising:
a) an elongated shaft removably connected to a vessel, said shaft extending into said vessel;
b) a plurality of sonar transducers supported on said shaft, said plurality of sonar transducers configured to generate signals in vertical and/or horizontal directions, wherein said plurality of sonar transducers include a first sonar transducer and a second sonar transducer, said first sonar transducer offset from said shaft a greater distance than said second sonar transducer; and
c) an electronics enclosure fixedly secured to a distal end of said shaft, said enclosure housing data transmitters and receivers for collecting and transmitting fluid data.
2. The sonar transducer apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second sonar transducers face upward for generating sonar signals in vertical directions.
3. The sonar transducer apparatus of claim 1 further including temperature and pressure sensors.
4. The sonar transducer apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of sonar transducers is driven by different frequencies.
5. The sonar transducer apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of sonar transducers include forward facing transducers and rearward facing transducers for generating sonar signals in horizontal directions.
6. A method of collecting and processing data for process control and optimization, comprising the steps of:
a) obtaining sonar signal signature data of a product contained in a vessel;
b) transmitting said sonar signal signature data to a data management module;
c) analyzing said sonar signal signature data; and
d) conveying output from said data management module to a control center operator via a virtual dashboard.
7. The method of claim 6 further including performing process diagnostics using said sonar signal signature data to predict process trends.
8. The method of claim 6 further including the step of collecting raw sonar data and storing said raw sonar data in a historical library file.
9. The method of claim 8 further including the step of comparing said sonar signal signature data to data in said historical library file to predict process trends.
10. The method of claim 6 further including the step of obtaining and storing signal data from secondary sensors collecting product data.