Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a new spin on an existing acoustic inspection technology. This ultrasonic technology eliminates the need for time-consuming and costly sampling of slurries in large containers. Savings like this are particularly appealing to fermentation-based industries, such as beer and pharmaceuticals.
In an experimental or production fermentation process, it is frequently necessary to monitor the growth of organisms within the fermentor. The typical method for doing this is a laborious and invasive process of collecting, diluting and counting a sample at periodic intervals.
Through this technology's capabilities, the size and concentration of particles within opaque slurries can be tracked by attaching an acoustic-based technology to the outside of a large tank or vat, much like those used to make beer and medicinal drugs.
PNNL's patented technique is novel in its fusion of information extracted from both acoustic backscatter—referring to the deflection of energy from a sent signal—and transit measurements, including velocity, amplitude and frequency data.
Conceptually, this acoustic technology is relatively simple. It consists of either a single transducer or paired transducers—devices that resemble ear phones and that transform electric signals into sound energy—placed on opposite sides of a container. Both the backscattered acoustic signals and the acoustic signals that transit the vessel contain useful information about the slurry. The signals from the transducers are digitized and analyzed so an operator can immediately detect changes in the fermentation process. The technology can be automated, runs continuously unattended, and can be configured to trigger process controls such as valves and switches.
PNNL has a successful history with acoustic technologies. The laboratory's first acoustic inspection device was originally developed to verify compliance with a bilateral treaty between the former Soviet Union and the U.S. This latest acoustic technology has attracted inquiries from top name breweries in the U.S. and Europe. PNNL is seeking R&D collaborators as further development is likely necessary before the technology can be licensed.
More info: www.pnl.gov
