Vibration Analysis Based on Hammer Impact for Fouling Detection Using Microphone and Accelerometer as Sensors

Abstract

The easy detection of fouling in duct systems is a persistent problem and remains a relevant demand for the chemical, oil, food and pharmaceutical industries. The fouling process is the slow, unwanted layer deposition of heavy organic and other dissolved solid materials out of transported fluids or suspensions onto inner wall surfaces in fluid transport systems over an extended period of time. This work presents research results of vibrational hammer excitation for easy to use external non-invasive, non-destructive fouling detection in pipelines and other large scale duct systems. The main goal is the detection of inner pipe layer formation, and thickness estimation of the adsorbed material. Data were taken from the vibration amplitude variation in presence of an inner pipe fouling layer using acoustic accelerometer and microphone detection. The experimental set-up and achievable sensitivities and of the methods are outlined.

Keywords

• Acoustic vibrations analysis
• Hammer impact test and fouling detection