Sound speed properties of phase transition processes

1
Sound speed properties of phase transition
processes

• Precipitation of solids in hydrocarbon liquids
  (e.g. wax) and hydrocarbon water systems (e.g.
  hydrates)

2
Ultrasonic analysis of wax and hydrate properties
Steel container
Ultrasonic probe (transducer)
Electronics
E.g. Gas hydrate system
PC
In this project an ultrasonic beam will be used
to study sound speed and attenuation caused by
precipitation of solids (e.g. wax, gas hydrates)
in a special made container (cell). The aim is
to be able to detect freezing point and physical
properties of the solid liquid system based on
the ultrasonic method. The sound beam is sent
from the probe through the container wall into
the liquid solid suspension. The beam is
reflected from the far end wall and reflected
back to the probe. The sound speed is typically
1500 m/s in a liquid system, and e.g. several
thousand m/s in ice, depending on properties.
Thus it is possible to discriminate liquid and
frozen state and intermediate stages. Also the
sonic speed and acoustic impedance is correlated
with the elastic properties of the medium and
thus may give information about the hydrate
mechanical strength. Building the cell is part of
the project. All other instrumentation is ready
for use and has been used successfully in various
projects. Methods and measurements will be
compared with other published works.
Supervisors Thor Martin Svartås and Rune W.
Time