Patent ID: 9046458
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A flow-through device for use on-line in a conduit capable of determining real-time characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium, the device comprising a sensor conduit, wherein the sensor comprises: a first stationary transducer positioned in a wall of the device to emit sound waves into the medium; and a fixed reflector or a second stationary transducer positioned opposite the first stationary transducer, wherein the sensor provides a plurality of different acoustic path lengths through the medium between the transducer and reflector or between the two transducers, thereby providing a plurality of different acoustic path lengths in the sensor without moving the transducers or reflector, wherein the first transducer is both an emitter and a receiver, wherein the first transducer includes a delay, and wherein the delay is implemented using a quartz rod having an end with a stepped configuration with a plurality of surfaces opposite and facing a single mirror reflector surface to provide a plurality of different echo path lengths.