This disclosure relates generally to detection of concentration of micro and nano particles in a fluid environment. An acoustic transmitter array is selective coated with polymer and receiver array is deployed at a random location in a conduit. The acoustic transmitter array on the conduit is insonified at a predetermined frequency to obtain a plurality of reflected signals. A plurality of key features pertinent to the conduit are extracted from the plurality of reflected signals to obtain a plurality of acoustic signals. A correlation model is configured by inputting, at least one feature associated with the pre-processed acoustic signals. A known concentrations of nano and micro particles are trained with an artificial neural network algorithm and calibrated with ground truth data. The location of the transmitter array and receiver array and the correlation model are finalized for detecting concentration of the particular micro and nano particles in the fluid environment.

Methods and systems for characterizing multiple properties of a cement composition for use at downhole conditions using ultrasonic analysis tools are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: transmitting at least a first p-wave and a second p-wave having different frequencies through a cement composition; determining velocities of the first and second p-waves through the sample; transmitting at least a third p-wave having a third frequency through the cement composition while allowing the cement composition to at least partially hydrate, wherein the third frequency is higher than the second frequency; determining at least a velocity of the third p-wave through the cement composition; based at least in part on the velocities of the p-waves, determining at least the compressibility, Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, and shear modulus of the cement composition.

A sensor probe for analysis of a fluid includes a base, and a pair of electrodes and a pair of shield members protruding from the base for insertion into the fluid. The electrodes have electrical oscillations generated therein for measurement of electromagnetic properties of the fluid, such as permittivity. The shield members are disposed outside the electrodes and have a dual purpose of electromagnetically shielding the electrodes and having vibrations generated therein for measurement of physical parameters of the fluid, such as density or viscosity. Thus, the single sensor probe can provide measurements of both electromagnetic properties and physical properties of the fluid.

An apparatus to determine the concentration of a target component in a mixture, the apparatus including at least one acoustic transducer located within the mixture, a controller generating a signal for the at least one acoustic transducer that's generating an acoustic signal in the mixture and transmitting same toward the target component within the mixture, wherein the acoustic signal is generated with a known power level, and a processor for measuring change in the power level of the at least one acoustic transducer as the acoustic signal is transmitted through the mixture, wherein the magnitude of the change in signal power determines the concentration of the target component in the mixture.

A device for in-situ measuring settleability of activated sludge includes a sample chamber, an ultrasonic time domain reflectometer, a magnetic stirrer, an ultrasonic probe, a sample inlet, a sample outlet, and a stagnant zone. The sample chamber is configured to hold an activated sludge sample, and the ultrasonic time domain reflectometer is configured to measure the settling characteristics of the activated sludge. The stagnant zone is disposed in the sample chamber. The sample inlet and the sample outlet communicate with the sample chamber. The stagnant zone includes a top part, a sidewall, and a bottom part. The sample inlet is connected to the top part of the stagnant zone. The sample outlet is connected to the sidewall of the stagnant zone. The magnetic stirrer is disposed at the bottom part of the stagnant zone. The ultrasonic probe is disposed on the top part of the stagnant zone.

In accordance with a method for characterization of particles in a fluid-filled hollow structure, an ultrasound signal with a frequency spectrum, which exhibits a local maximum at a variable measurement frequency, is emitted in the direction of a part area of the hollow structure and reflected components are detected. The measurement frequency is tuned in a predetermined measurement interval, and depending on the detected reflected components, a spectral response curve is acquired as a function of the measurement frequency. Depending on the response curve, at least one characteristic property for a part of the particles located in the part area of the hollow structure is determined. The characteristic property includes a measure for an adhesion of the particles of the part of the particles located in the part area of the hollow structure.

A well tool can be used in a wellbore that can measure characteristics of an object in the wellbore. The well tool includes an ultrasonic transducer for generating an ultrasonic wave in a medium of the wellbore. The ultrasonic transducer includes a front layer, a rear layer, backing material coupled to the rear layer, and piezoelectric material coupled to the front layer and to the backing material. The rear layer can improve signal-to-noise ratio of the transducer in applications such as imaging and caliper applications.

An ultrasonic pulse transmitter is provided that is configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse through a target liquid medium. A receiver is also provided. Per one embodiment, a reflector is coupled to an automated positioner that moves the reflector to select different positions at select distances from an ultrasonic transceiver. A holder is provided that is configured to maintain the pulse transmitter at a controlled position in relation to the target liquid medium, and that is configured to be carried. In one embodiment of a method, ultrasonic pulses are transmitted through a target liquid medium. The transmitted ultrasonic pulses are then received. A vessel is provided to hold the liquid medium without the use of a seal on the vessel.

A system and method for determining when a sand separator should be purged to remove solids from the sand separator. The system can include an acoustic sensor which detects the frequency of audible sound coming from the inner chamber of the vessel and generate a signature signal representative of the frequency of audible sound. There is a processor connected to the acoustic sensor and configured to compare the signature signal with a set frequency range of audible sound which in turn generates a signal indicating when the signature frequency and the set frequency are in overlapping relationship.

Examples of determining tuberculation in a fluid distribution system are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, an acoustical wave generator generates an acoustical wave within a fluid path of a fluid distribution system. A first acoustical sensor and a second acoustical sensor sense the acoustical wave. An acoustical signal analysis module determines an amount of tuberculation within the fluid distribution system by analyzing the sensed acoustical wave.