The problem of obtaining accurate measurements of densityand level of salt-bearing radioactive liquids is complicated byinterfering variables such as temperature profile, liquid composition, sensor fouling by salt buildup, the nuclear environment, and the size, access, and maintenance constraints imposed by large buried storage tanks. To solve this problem, this project will use ultrasonic torsional waves in sensors having twospecial cross sections. The sensor of non-circular cross section responds to density, p, when oriented horizontally, and to the product of density and height, pH, when vertical. The sensor of circular cross section responds to product of density and viscosity, pn. The viscosity sensor is included to monitor salt buildup and to compensate for buildup if it occurs. Sensor material, surface preparation, arid, possibly, vibratory will be selected to discourage salt buildup. Temperature compensation will be accomplished by timing extensional waves in the same sensors that, when torsionally excited, respond to p, -q, or H. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:The novel use of ultrasonic pulses in radiation-hardened sensors of cucular and noncircular cross sensros will be demonstrated as a means of separating and individually sensing the level and density of different salt-bearing liquids. This task will be accomplished despite interfering environmentaland application variables such as temperature, liquid composition,viscosity, and tendency for buildup. Commercial applications existimmediately for such density, viscosity, and interface sensors innuclear and non-nuclear environments.
