RU2682081C2 - Acoustic profilograph for obtaining bottom surface image (options) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: oil, gas and coke-chemical industries.SUBSTANCE: acoustic profilograph for imaging bottom surface. Invention relates to the field of hydrography, oil, gas and chemical industries, in particular to devices for obtaining images of the surface of the bottom of reservoirs or tanks with water or other liquids. Main element of the device is receiving and transmitting acoustic signal block 6. Receiving and transmitting acoustic signal block 6 is located in housing 3 or structurally integrated with it. Receiving and transmitting acoustic signal block 6 contains, among other things, an electro-acoustic transducer, made and placed with the possibility of receiving from the outside and transmitting (radiating) an acoustic signal to the environment. Receiving and transmitting acoustic signal block 6 is fixed in housing 3 in such a way that the direction of propagation of the emitted acoustic signal forms an acute angle with the direction of the gravity vector (more detail regarding the placement of the reception and transmission unit of the acoustic signal 6 is described below). When scanning the surface of the bottom receiving and transmitting acoustic signal block 6 moves along a helix with a constant speed of immersion. If the bottom of the tank is flat, then the spiral will represent the path of the intersection of the intersection of the scanning acoustic beam and the plane of the tank. Trajectory of the scanning acoustic beam and the conditional image of the bottom surface are shown in Fig. 3.EFFECT: technical result of the invention is to reduce energy costs.6 cl, 4 dwg

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to the field of hydrography, oil, gas and chemical industries, in particular to devices for obtaining a three-dimensional image of the bottom surface of reservoirs or reservoirs with water or other liquids.

State of the art

The prior art hydroacoustic instruments for measuring the depth of reservoirs, called echo sounders (the definition of the echo sounder is given, for example, at http://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enc3p/338938, accessed 03.23.2017). The principle of operation of the echo sounder is based on measuring the time between the emission of the sound signal and the reception of the echo from the emitted signal. Knowing the speed of propagation of acoustic waves in the medium, determine the path traveled by the signal and the distance to the bottom.

To obtain acoustic images of the bottom surface of river and sea water bodies, multi-beam profilographs (multi-beam echo sounders) are widely used, which use horizontal movement of the echo sounder carrier (vessel or boat) over the water surface. Multi-beam echo sounders are known from the prior art and are available on the website http://www.ymg.ru/en/content/equipment-for-acoustic- surveying (accessed March 23, 2017). Multipath profilographs make it possible to obtain an image of the bottom profile through the use of several beams directed at different angles to the surface.

However, in many practical applications, horizontal movement of the profilograph for one reason or another is impossible. In river reservoirs, situations are often encountered where, due to the saturated infrastructure, the horizontal movement of the carrier vessel is sharply limited or impossible. A similar situation is typical for sea and river reservoirs covered with ice. In the oil and chemical industries, metal tanks with diameters of up to 100-120 meters are widely used, in which bottom deposits (bottom sediments) accumulate as a result of their operation, the volume and spatial distribution of which must be estimated for further removal. Most of these tanks are all-metal structures with rigid roofs of various types (flat, hemispherical or conical). On the roofs of such tanks there are a number of hatches through which you can lower the acoustic profiler. Since at the same time its horizontal movement is impossible, then to obtain an image of bottom sediments, the rotation of the profilograph is used, which provides a scan of the entire area of the bottom surface of the tank. Such multi-beam profilographs contain multi-element antenna arrays, which at a high speed form an image of the bottom surface due to the electronic formation of rays in the horizontal and vertical planes in the radiation and reception modes.

In most cases, scanning the surface from one entry point does not allow a 100% view of the bottom of the tank due to the high sound absorption in any product contained in the oil (for example) tank and in which there is a high viscosity. In this case, it is necessary to take out the profilograph and install it at another possible entry point, which takes considerable time (ten times longer than the time to receive data from one entry point). As a result, the total examination time increases dramatically. For example, a survey of the bottom of an oil tank with a diameter of 65 meters or more containing crude oil with a typical kinematic viscosity of the order of 10-12 cSt (centistokes) can be carried out from 8-10 entry points, if they are structurally accessible.

The closest technical solution (prototype) is the sonar system described in the patent "Sonar system and method of exploration of the Arctic seabed" (patent US5173882, publication date 12/22/1992). The sonar system for the Arctic exploration of the seabed contains two transducers attached to the holder, a vertically elongated tubular assembly mounted with the possibility of rotation using a tripod. By turning the tubular assembly (the rotation is ensured by the operation of the engine), these transducers are installed at a given depth in water, so that the transducers are tilted with a given angle of inclination and oriented in a given azimuthal direction. In this case, by rotation of the tubular assembly, it is possible to rotate the transducers and change the azimuthal orientation. Also, the sonar system contains a tilt angle sensor that can measure the angle of the transducers relative to the vertical (pipe axis). One of the transducers is designed to emit directional acoustic signals, and the reflected acoustic signals received by both transducers are converted into electrical signals. These signals are processed together with signals indicating the angle of inclination and orientation of the transducers to obtain data on the topography of the seabed and depth. Thus, the sonar system receives data on the depth and topography of the bottom only in a certain solid angle, thereby the area of the measured bottom is limited by the viewing angle of the transducers, while the transducers are moved in water by rotating the tubular assembly. To increase the studied bottom area, the immersion depth of the transducers is changed by changing the number of pipes to be connected.

A disadvantage of the known technical solution is the high energy costs associated with the need to rotate the tubular assembly using a drive.

The technical result of the invention is to reduce energy costs.

The specified technical result is achieved due to the fact that, according to the first embodiment, in an acoustic profilograph to obtain an image of the bottom surface containing the rod and the housing, the rod provided with a limiter located at its end, the housing is equipped with a through hole, and the rod and the through hole are threaded interacting with each other, in addition, the housing is equipped with an acoustic signal reception and transmission unit, a power supply, a buoyancy control unit, a switch and an electronic distribution area burs, while in the area of electronic devices there is a switch, an echo-signal storage unit, a generator, a time measuring unit, a detector, an integrator, an analog-to-digital converter, the generator being connected to a switch that is connected to an acoustic signal receiving and transmitting unit and a detector, despite the fact that the generator and switch are configured to provide a pulse-modulated signal and transmit it to the unit for receiving and transmitting an acoustic signal, as well as providing the transmission of the received reflected signal from the receiver unit and the transmission of the acoustic signal to the detector, the time measurement unit is made and connected to provide the possibility of measuring the time between the radiation of the probe signal and the reception of the reflected signal, the detector is connected to the integrator input, the integrator output is connected to the input of the analog-to-digital converter , the output of the analog-to-digital converter and the output of the time measuring unit are connected to the echo signal storage unit, in the first particular case in the device an angle meter, a storage unit for rotation angle data, a second comparison unit are additionally introduced; moreover, the output of the rotation angle meter and the output of the rotation angle data storage unit are respectively connected to the inputs of the second comparison unit, which is configured to compare the current value from the angle meter rotation and its previous value stored in the rotation angle data storage unit, the output of the second comparison unit is connected to the power unit, and the power unit is provided with the possibility of turning off when receiving a signal initiated by the comparison unit when its input signals are equal, in the second particular case, a stopper is additionally introduced into it, made to ensure that the housing is held relative to the rod until the housing is immersed in liquid, according to the second embodiment, in an acoustic profiler to obtain image of the bottom surface containing the rod and the housing, and the rod is equipped with a limiter located at its end, the housing is equipped with a through hole, and the rod through This hole is provided with threads that interact with each other, in addition, the housing is equipped with an acoustic signal receiving and transmission unit, a power supply unit, a buoyancy control unit, a switch and an area for placing electronic devices, with a switch and an echo data storage unit -signals, generator, time measuring unit, detector, integrator, analog-to-digital converter, the generator being connected to a switch that is connected to the receiving and transmitting unit a hustle signal and a detector, despite the fact that the generator and the switch are configured to provide a pulse-modulated signal and transmit it to the receiving and transmitting unit of the acoustic signal, as well as providing the possibility of transmitting the received reflected signal from the receiving and transmitting unit of the acoustic signal to the detector, the time measuring unit is made and connected with the possibility of measuring the time between the radiation of the probe signal and the reception of the reflected signal, the detector is connected to the input integr ator, the integrator output is connected to the input of the analog-to-digital converter, in addition, a threshold value storage unit and a first comparison unit are introduced, moreover, the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the first comparison unit, the threshold value storage unit is also connected to the first comparison unit, which is designed to provide the possibility of transmitting the signal received from the analog-to-digital converter to the echo-signal data storage unit if the signal from the analog-to-digital converter is larger than the signal from the storage unit the threshold value, and transmitting to the data storage unit about the signal echoes a signal equal to zero, if the signal from the analog-to-digital converter is less than the signal from the threshold data storage unit, in the first particular case of the device, an angle measuring device and an angle data storage unit are additionally introduced into it rotation, the second comparison unit, and the output of the angle meter and the output of the data storage unit about the rotation angle are respectively connected to the inputs of the second comparison unit, which is made possible and comparing the current value from the rotation angle meter and its previous value stored in the rotation angle data storage unit, the output of the second comparison unit is connected to the power supply unit, and the power supply unit is configured to turn off when receiving a signal initiated by the comparison unit when its input is equal signals, in the second particular case, a stopper is additionally introduced into it, made with the possibility of holding the housing relative to the rod until the housing is immersed in liquid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is illustrated by drawings (FIGS. 1-4), where in FIG. 1 shows a conditional section of the device in a vertical plane, in FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the device, FIG. 3 shows a possible trajectory of the scanning acoustic beam along the bottom and an image of the bottom surface, and FIG. 4 shows an explanation of the use of the device.

Disclosure of invention

In the drawings are indicated: rod 1, stopper 2, housing 3, electronic devices placement area 4, power supply unit 5, acoustic signal reception and transmission unit 6, limiter 7, buoyancy control unit 8, switch 9, first amplifier 10, detector 11, integrator 12, analog-to-digital converter 13, a threshold value storage unit 14, a first comparison unit 15, a measurement number assignment unit 16, a noise value storage unit 17, an echo signal storage unit 18, a control unit 19, a rotation angle meter 20, a second block comparison 21, blo storing data of rotation angle of 22, the time relay 23, a switch 24, a generator 25, second amplifier 26, time measuring unit 27.

An acoustic signal receiving and transmitting unit 6, a power supply 5, and a buoyancy control unit 8 are placed in the device’s case 3 converter 13, a first comparison unit 15, a threshold value storage unit 14, a measurement number assignment unit 16, a noise value storage unit 17, an echo signal storage unit 18, a second amplifier 26, a generator 25, a time relay 23, a second comparison unit 21, the rotation angle data storage unit 22, the rotation angle meter 20, the control unit 19, the time measuring unit 27.

Hereinafter, the mention of the upper and lower correlate with regard to the direction of the vector of gravity at the usual location for the device during use. The terms horizontally and vertically and their derivatives are understood in the sense of an arrangement perpendicular to the gravity vector or parallel to it, respectively.

The housing 3 of the acoustic profilograph (hereinafter, sometimes the profilograph) has a teardrop shape with a thickening downward. The teardrop-shaped form has the lowest coefficient of hydrodynamic resistance. Case 3 is sealed. In the housing 3 there is a vertical through hole with an internal thread. The axis of the through hole coincides with the axis of symmetry of the casing 3 of the acoustic profiler. An acoustic profiler can be placed on the bar.

Rod 1 is a cylindrical part. The diameter of the rod 1 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the through hole made in the housing 3. On the lateral surface of the rod 1, an external thread is made that is responsive to the internal thread of the surface of the through hole. The rod 1 can be made collapsible and may consist of several sections interconnected. The through hole and the rod 1 are made with the possibility of moving the acoustic profilograph down the rod 1 under the action of gravity (if the rod 1 is placed vertically) and at the same time rotating the profilograph around its own axis, which coincides with the axis of the through hole. The collapsible design of the rod 1 provides a quick rise of the profilograph after finishing measurements of the bottom profile. At the lower end of the rod 1 there is a limiter 7, which does not allow the profiler to continue moving. For example, the limiter 7 can be made in the form of a disk whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the through hole. In the particular case, the pitch of the external thread on the rod 1 and the step of the mating thread on the surface of the through hole can be changed.

The main element of the device is the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6. The unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 is placed in the housing 3 or structurally combined with it. The unit for receiving and transmitting an acoustic signal 6 includes, among other things, a piezoelectric electro-acoustic transducer made and placed to provide the possibility of receiving from outside and transmitting (emitting) the acoustic signal to the environment. Electro-acoustic transducer is a device that converts electrical energy into acoustic and vice versa, acoustic into electrical energy (electro-acoustic transducers are described in the source "Ultrasound. Little Encyclopedia", edited by I.P. Golyamina, M .: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1979, p. 78) . The unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 is fixed in the housing 3 in such a way that the propagation direction of the emitted acoustic signal forms an acute angle with the direction of the gravity vector (for more details regarding the placement of the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6, see below).

The unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 is connected to the switch (key) 9. The unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 may be in a state in which the electro-acoustic transducer emits an acoustic signal (for simplicity, this state is called the first state), and a state in which the electro-acoustic the transducer receives an acoustic signal from the environment (for simplicity, this state is called the second state).

The switch 9 is a device that switches the electrical circuit between two states with a given switching frequency or time points. The switching frequency is set before the start of measurements and depends on the parameters of the liquid, reservoir or reservoir, the type of emitted acoustic signal, the speed of sound in the liquid. Switching can be carried out the number of times necessary for the correct operation of the acoustic profilograph. The first position of the switch 9 corresponds to the first state of the electric circuit, in which the electric signal from the output of the second amplifier 26 is transmitted to the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6. The second position of the switch 9 corresponds to the second state of the electric circuit, in which the electric signal corresponding to the acoustic echo is transmitted -signal received by the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6, from the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 to the input the first amplifier 10. The switch 9 is connected to the input of the first amplifier 10, the output of the second amplifier 26, the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6. The first position of the switch 9 connects the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 with the output of the second amplifier 26, the second position of the switch 9 provides the connection of the block of reception and transmission of the acoustic signal 6 with the input of the first amplifier 10. The switch 9 is equipped with an output connected to the input of the first amplifier 10, an input connected to the output of the second ilitelya 26, and an input-output unit is connected with the reception and transmission acoustic signal 6. The switch 9 is configured to making any information about the value of the switching frequency or switching time. Information on the switching frequency can be transmitted from the control unit 19 or from an external device before starting the operation of the acoustic profiler.

The first amplifier 10 and the second amplifier 26 amplify their electrical signals, followed by the transmission of amplified electrical signals for further operation of the device. The output of the first amplifier 10 is connected to the input of the detector 11 and the input of the time measuring unit 27, the input of the second amplifier 26 is connected to the output of the generator 25. The first amplifier 10 amplifies the electrical signal received from the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 through the switch 9, located in the second position, and transmitting the amplified signal to the detector 11. The second amplifier 26 amplifies the signal received from the generator 25 and transmits it through the switch 9 in the first position to the receiving and transmitting unit 6 cottages acoustic signal.

The detector 11 is a device that detects an electrical signal. Detection is the process of converting electromagnetic waves to obtain voltage or current, the value of which is determined by the parameters of the oscillation, in order to extract the information contained in the changes of these parameters (the definition of detection is presented in the document "Radio communication. Terms and definitions" GOST 24375-80). The detector 11 can perform quadratic detection of the amplitude-modulated signal, which is fed to its input. At the output of the detector 11, the signal will be proportional to the square of the amplitude of the modulation signal. The input of the detector 11 is connected to the first amplifier 10, the output of the detector 11 is connected to the input of the integrator 12. The detector 11 is configured to receive an electrical signal from the first amplifier 10, to isolate an electrical signal proportional to the square of the modulation amplitude of the signal entering the detector 11 and then transmitting the received electrical signal to the integrator 12.

The integrator 12, or, in other words, the integrating device, is a computing device for determining the integral of the input variables (the definition of the integrating device is given, for example, at http://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/bse/90735, appeal date 05/12/2017). The integrator 12 integrates over time the voltage of the electrical signal received from the output of the detector 11, that is, it can be an integrating amplifier. In this case, the time interval over which the integration is carried out is equal to the time duration of the electric signal entering the integrator 12. The output of the integrator 12 will be an electrical signal, the voltage of which is proportional to the integral over time of the incoming electrical signal. The output of the integrator 12 is connected to the analog-to-digital Converter 13.

An analog-to-digital converter 13 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as ADC 13) is a functional element that converts an analog variable into a digital value (the definition of ADC 13 is presented, for example, in the document "Analog and analog-to-digital computing. Terms and definitions" GOST 18421- 93). The ADC 13 is made with the possibility of converting the voltage of the received electrical signal into a binary machine code and further issuing the corresponding digital signal. Moreover, each voltage value corresponds to a single sequence of binary machine code symbols, which is a digital signal. The input of the ADC 13 is connected to the output of the integrator 12, the output of the ADC 13 is connected to the first input of the first comparison unit 15.

The threshold value storage unit 14 is a storage device that stores information about the possible value of radio-electronic noise (voltage fluctuations) at these operating frequencies of electronic devices of an acoustic profilograph. Information in the storage unit of the threshold value 14 is stored as a sequence of characters of a binary machine code. The storage unit of the threshold value 14 is configured to provide information on the value of the threshold value of the electronic noise at the frequency of the acoustic profiler. Information on the value of the threshold value of electronic noise can be obtained from the control unit 19 or from an external device before starting the operation of the acoustic profilograph. The output of the storage unit of the threshold value 14 is connected to the second input of the first comparison unit 15.

The first comparison unit 15 is an electronic device that compares numerical values, the information about which is encoded in digital signals received at the first and second input of the first comparison unit 15. The first comparison unit 15 outputs a digital signal in which the larger numerical value is encoded to the first input and second inputs of numerical values. The digital signal is output to the output of the first comparison unit 15. The output of the first comparison unit 15 is connected to the first input of the control unit 19.

Also, in the area of placement of electronic devices 4, a unit for assigning measurement numbers 16 is located. A unit for assigning measurement numbers 16 is a device that includes a memory cell. The memory cell (s) is configured to store data of a numerical format and change the data stored in the cell. The assignment unit of the measurement number 16 is configured to implement the assignment mechanism. The assignment unit of measurement number 16 is actually a counter from one with the possibility of resetting to one. The measurement number is equal to the serial number of the measurement, counting from the start of the device, i.e. the signals received by the device corresponding to the first emitted acoustic signal reception and transmission unit have a first number, etc. Thus, the measurement number is equal to the number of corresponding switchings of the switch 9 to the second position after turning on the device. Assigning the next (greater by one) value (measurement number) is carried out upon receipt of a command from the control unit 19 to assign the next value (measurement number). Resetting to unity is carried out upon receipt of a command from the control unit 19 to assign a unit or when the power is turned off. The input of the unit for assigning measurement numbers 16 is connected to the first output of the control unit 19, the output of the unit for assigning measurement numbers 16 is connected to the first input of the storage unit for echo signals 18.

The device also includes a noise value storage unit 17. The noise value storage unit 17 is a memory device that stores numerical zero or any other number that must be taken into account if the threshold value of electronic noise is greater than the value obtained from the output of the ADC 13. Block input the storage of the noise value 17 is connected to the second output of the control unit 19, the output of the storage unit of the noise value 17 is connected to the second input of the storage unit for echo signals 18.

The control unit 19 is a controller that processes the information included therein and sends commands. The control unit 19 is configured to receive information from the first comparison unit 15 and the second comparison unit 21 and to issue commands to the assignment unit of the measurement number 16, the storage unit for the noise value 17, the storage unit for data about the echo signals 18, the power supply unit 5, the data storage unit about the angle of rotation 22. In the particular case, the control unit 19 is configured to provide commands to the generator 25 and the switch 9.

The device includes a generator 25. The generator 25 is a device that generates a periodic electrical signal of a certain type, duration and duty cycle. The generator 25 generates an amplitude-modulated electrical signal. The generator 25 is configured to provide information on the type, duration, duty cycle, modulation depth, frequency (or period) of the carrier signal and frequency (or period) of the envelope signal (frequency or period of modulation). The type, duration, duty cycle, modulation depth, frequency (or period) of the carrier signal and the frequency (or period) of the envelope signal (frequency or period of modulation) depend on the parameters of the liquid, reservoir, and environment. These parameters are calculated before starting the work of the acoustic profilograph. This information can be obtained from the control unit 19 or from an external device. The output of the generator 25 is connected to the input of the second amplifier 26. The generator 25 and / or switch 9 are configured to generate a pulse-modulated signal.

The device also includes a time measuring unit 27. The time measuring unit 27 is a time measuring device between the signal from the first input of the time measuring unit 27 and the signal from the second input of the time measuring unit 27. This time is actually the propagation time of the acoustic signal in the liquid, since the propagation time of an electric signal along an electronic circuit is small compared with the characteristic propagation time of an acoustic signal in a liquid. The composition of the time measurement unit 27 may include a set of elements that delay the signal from the output of the generator 25 to some fixed time intervals. Then, in the time measuring unit 27, a comparison is made between the “delayed” signal and the received signal from the output of the first amplifier 10. Knowing the number of this element, we can determine the delay time between the signals. The described method for measuring the time between signals is known from the prior art and is described, for example, in the source "Radio circuits and signals", S. I. Baskakov, M .: Higher school, 2nd edition. - p. 68. The output of the time measurement unit 27 provides information about the delay time between the signals from the first input and the second input. From the measured time and the known speed of sound in the liquid, the distance to the surface from which the acoustic signal was reflected can be calculated. The first input of the time measuring unit 27 is connected to the generator 25, the second input is connected to the output of the first amplifier 10, the output is connected to the third input of the control unit 19. Also, the time measuring unit 27 can be connected to the storage unit for echo signals 18.

The echo signal storage unit 18 is a memory device that stores the values of the measurement numbers and two numerical values for each measurement number. The first numerical value is the voltage value of the electric signal digitized in the ADC 13. The voltage of this electric signal is the time integral of the square of the modulation depth of the electric signal converted in the block for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 from the received acoustic echo signal. Also, the first numerical value may be some value that is stored in the noise value storage unit 17. The second numerical value is the result of time measurement by the time measuring unit 27. The second numerical value is the propagation time of the acoustic signal in the liquid. Each measurement number corresponds to a single first numerical value and a single second numerical value. The storage unit of data about the echo signals 18 can be made in the form of read-only memory or random access memory. The data storage unit about the echo signals 18 is configured to connect to an external device (personal computer) and transmit data. The first input of the echo signal storage unit 18 is connected to the output of the assignment unit of the measurement number 16, the second input of the echo signal storage unit 18 is connected to the output of the noise value storage unit 17 and the third output of the control unit 19. The third input of the data storage unit echo signals 18 is connected to the sixth output of the control unit 19.

The angle meter 20 is a device that measures the azimuth (azimuth angle). Azimuth - the angle between the meridian plane of the observation point and the vertical plane passing through this point and the observed object (the definition of the azimuthal angle is given, for example, on the website http://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enc3p/48922, access date 18.05 .2017). The angle meter 20 is configured to output digital information about the value of the azimuthal angle. The angle meter 20 may be a device, which includes a gyroscope. The angle meter 20 is required to measure the angle of rotation of the acoustic profilograph relative to its own axis of rotation. The angle meter 20 is made with the possibility of entering into it information about the initial angle of rotation of the device. Information about the initial angle of rotation can be obtained from the control unit 19 or from an external device before starting the operation of the acoustic profiler. The output of the angle meter 20 is connected to the first input of the second comparison unit 21.

The rotation angle data storage unit 22 is a memory device that stores information about the rotation angle value of the rotation angle meter 20. Information in the rotation angle data storage unit 22 is stored as a sequence of characters of a binary machine code. The input of the data storage unit about the angle of rotation 22 is connected to the fourth output of the control unit 19. The output of the data storage unit about the angle of rotation 22 is connected to the second input of the second comparison unit 21.

All units of the device that perform the storage function can be structurally combined into one unit.

The second comparison unit 21 is an electronic device that compares numerical values, the information of which is encoded in digital signals received at the first and second input of the second comparison unit 21. The second comparison unit 21 outputs a digital signal in which the larger numerical value is encoded from the received to the first and second inputs of numerical values or zero if the numerical values received at the first and second inputs coincide. The digital signal is output to the output of the second comparison unit 21. The output of the second comparison unit 21 is connected to the second input of the control unit 19.

In the particular case of the angle meter 20, the storage unit about the angle of rotation 22, the second comparison unit 21 can be replaced by a device that measures the angle of rotation relative to the previous position of the acoustic profiler relative to the axis of rotation.

All electronic devices that require electric energy for their work are connected to the power supply unit 5. The connection is made to ensure the operability of each of the units. The power supply 5 is connected to at least a first amplifier 10, a second amplifier 26, an oscillator 25, a control unit 19, a detector 11, an integrator 12, an ADC 13, a rotation angle meter 20, a pore value storage unit, a noise value storage unit 17, a storage unit data about the echo signals 18, the time measuring unit 27. The power supply 5 is connected to the switch 24, the time relay 23, the fifth output of the control unit 19. The power supply 5 may be a battery.

The switch 24 is a device that turns on and off the power supply 5. The switch 24 can be made in the form of a button, when pressed, the circuit is closed. The switch 24 is configured to turn off the power supply 5, for example, upon receipt of a command from the control unit 19. The switch 24 can be placed on the housing 3 or inside it.

Time relay 23 is a device whose contacts close (open) with a certain delay in time after receiving a control signal (the definition of time relay 23 is given, for example, on the website http://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enc3p/253886 , appeal date 05/19/2017). The time relay 23 serves to supply power from the power supply 5 with a certain time delay after pressing the power button.

The device may also include a stopper 2. Stopper 2 is a part or device for fixing parts of the mechanism in a certain position (definition of stopper 2 is given, for example, on the website http://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enc3p/282362 , appeal date 05/25/2017). The stopper 2 can be placed between the rod 1 and the inner surface of the through hole. The stopper 2 is configured to temporarily fix the position of the acoustic profilograph relative to the rod 1. The stopper 2 fixes the profilograph relative to the rod 1 at least until the acoustic profilograph is completely immersed in the liquid.

The buoyancy control unit 8 may be a partially limited volume in the body 3 of the acoustic profilograph. In this case, a substance can be found in this volume, the amount of which can be changed. By controlling the amount of substance within the volume, the total mass of the acoustic profilograph is regulated. The buoyancy control unit 8 is necessary to ensure a constant speed of immersion of the acoustic profilograph in a liquid, since its density can be different.

The implementation of the invention

In the case of using the above elements and means, the invention is implemented as follows.

Rod 1 with stop 7, housing 3, stopper 2, buoyancy control unit 8, and all units of the device are manufactured separately. Some blocks, for example, the first comparison unit 15, the second comparison unit 21, the control unit 19 can be structurally combined into one unit. Due to the fact that all the blocks and parts of the device contain a number of elements of a different type of action, their manufacture requires the use of various technologies and methods.

For example, bar 1 is made of metal. Rod 1 can be manufactured by rolling technology. An external thread is cut on the rod 1, for example, using a die, a limiter 7 is fixed, for example, it is welded to the rod 1.

Next, a drop-shaped body 3 is made, for example, it is cast from metal or plastic, a through hole is made in it, for example, by drilling. On the inner surface of the through hole, an internal thread is made, for example, using a tap. The external thread on the side surface of the rod 1 is made reciprocal with respect to the internal thread of the surface of the through hole. In the housing 3, additional recesses are made to accommodate the power supply unit 5, the receiving and transmitting unit of the acoustic signal 6, the buoyancy control unit 8. The recess for accommodating the receiving and transmitting unit of the acoustic signal 6 is carried out in the thickened part of the housing 3. The power supply unit is placed in the corresponding recesses 5, a unit for receiving and transmitting an acoustic signal 6, a buoyancy control unit 8.

The unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 is placed so that the direction of radiation of the acoustic signal forms an acute angle with the axis of the through hole. This is possible, for example, if you position the profilograph so that the broadening of the housing 3 is from below, and the axis of the through hole coincides with the direction of the gravity vector. The mounting unit of the reception and transmission of the acoustic signal 6 can be carried out so that the direction of emission of the acoustic signal can be changed in the vertical plane.

Also in the housing 3 make a recess in which electronic devices will be placed. This recess represents the area of placement of electronic devices 4. In the area of placement of electronic devices 4, a switch 9, a first amplifier 10, a detector 11, an integrator 12, an analog-to-digital converter 13, a first comparison unit 15, a threshold value storage unit 14, a number assignment unit are placed measurements 16, a noise value storage unit 17, an echo signal storage unit 18, a second amplifier 26, a generator 25, a timer 23, a second comparison unit 21, a rotation angle data storage unit 22, a rotation angle meter 20, bl ok control 19, time measurement unit 27.

On the housing 3 of the acoustic profilograph, the switch 24 is fixed and a connector is placed. The connector is necessary for transmitting data from the data storage unit about the echo signals 18 to an external device. Also, information is transferred through the connector to the control unit 19 or to other units of the device. An electrical connection is made between the units of the device in accordance with the block diagram of FIG. 2.

To obtain an image of the bottom surface perform the following sequence of actions. First, based on the parameters of the medium (for example, density, viscosity, speed of sound), the mass of the substance is selected in the buoyancy control unit 8. The selection is carried out in such a way that the acoustic profiler is lowered, rotating around rod 1, under the influence of gravity in this fluid evenly ( with a constant speed of immersion). For preliminary estimates, the rate of immersion of the profilograph in liquid can be estimated using the approximate formula v = 0.22r2g (ρ- ρ0) / η, where r is the radius of the equivalent sphere of the teardrop-shaped body 3, g is the gravitational acceleration, ρ is the density of the material of the body 3, ρ0 - fluid density, η - dynamic fluid viscosity. For the actual operating conditions of the profilograph, knowing the density and viscosity of the medium, the mass of the device and the diameter of the tank, the mass of the substance in the buoyancy control unit 8 is selected so that the immersion speed is from 0.2 m / s to 5 m / s.

Based on the parameters of the liquid and the reservoir, calculate the parameters of the acoustic signal necessary for the correct operation of the acoustic profiler. The parameters of the acoustic signal depend, for example, on the speed of sound in the liquid, the size of the tank. To determine the speed of sound in water and other liquids, there are both empirical formulas and special tables. The parameters of the acoustic signal correspond to the parameters of the electric signal that the generator 25 will generate. The duty cycle is selected so that the reflected acoustic signal can be received by the receiving and transmitting unit of the acoustic signal 6, that is, the reflected acoustic signal did not get into the moment of emission of the acoustic signal by the receiving and transmitting unit acoustic signal 6.

Through the connector, the corresponding data is entered into the control unit 19, which after turning on the power distributes information between the remaining units. In the particular case, immediately enter the relevant information into each of the blocks. For example, information about the level of radiation, type and duration of each pulse, and the duty cycle of the radiation of the generated electrical signal is entered into the generator 25. Information on the value of the delay time is entered into the time relay 23. A threshold value is entered into the threshold value storage unit 14. Also, the rotation angle data storage unit 22 includes an initial rotation angle.

Next, the power supply unit 5, as well as all electrical connections and all units of the device that require electric energy for their operation, are isolated from possible contact with the liquid by any known method, for example, the openings in which the units are placed are hermetically sealed. Close the connector with a plug or in any other way, preventing liquid from entering the connector contacts, then lower the rod 1 into the liquid with the limiter 7 down. If the rod 1 is made collapsible, then connect the required number of sections to each other. Install the profilograph on the rod 1 or on the upper section of the rod 1 and fix it with a stopper 2 or a halyard.

Next, they press the switch 24, which turns on the power supply 5. After turning on the power supply 5, power is supplied to the electronic units after a certain delay time, provided by a time relay 23, which starts the countdown of the time after which power will be supplied to the units of the device that require their work electrical energy.

Next, lower the bar 1 to the end, to the required depth. Set the rod 1 vertically without the possibility of moving relative to the bottom in any known manner. For example, the rod 1 is fixed on the lid of the tank.

Next, the stopper 2 is released, and the acoustic profilograph begins immersion in the liquid. In the particular case, the stopper 2 receives a command to stop fixing the position of the profilograph relative to the rod 1. In the particular case, the fixation of the stopper 2 can occur after the profiler is completely immersed in the liquid. After unlocking, the profiler is immersed at almost constant speed, while the internal thread of the through hole is moved relative to the external thread of the rod 1. This movement ensures that the profiler rotates around the rod 1 and around its own axis. The profiler simultaneously moves down at a constant speed and rotates around its own axis. Since the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 is located at a certain distance from the axis of rotation of the profilograph, the helix will be the path of the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6. The foregoing is illustrated in FIG. The arrows indicate the movement of the profilograph down and rotation around its own axis. In this case, Fig. 4 shows the successive positions of the profilograph case 3 as it is lowered along the rod 1. The change in the direction of emission of the acoustic signal depending on the change in the position of the profilograph is conventionally shown using rays directed to the bottom of the tank. At the bottom of the tank deposits are conventionally shown.

After a delay time, power supply 5 supplies power to electronic devices. After turning on the power and unlocking the stopper 2, the acoustic profiler operates autonomously. An acoustic profilograph begins to scan the bottom surface as follows. If the switch 9 is not in the first position, switch the switch 9 to the first position. The switch 9 can be switched after the switching command is issued from the control unit 19. The generator 25 generates an amplitude-modulated time-limited electric signal that amplifies the second amplifier 26. Also, the signal from the output of the generator 25 is supplied to the first input of the time measuring unit 27. Amplified by the second amplifier 26, the signal is fed into the block of reception and transmission of the acoustic signal 6, which converts the electrical signal into an acoustic one and emits it. The emitted acoustic signal propagates in some solid angle. The direction of radiation forms an acute angle with the direction of the gravity vector. Next, switch switch 9 to the second position. Switch 9 can be switched after a switching command is issued from the control unit 19 or independently of it with a certain constant switching frequency (that is, after some predetermined time). An acoustic signal propagates in the liquid to the interface of the media and is partially reflected from it. The media interface is the interface between two media with different wave impedances. The interface may be the boundary of a liquid and a solid or two liquids of different densities. Part of the echo signal reflected from the interface is propagated in the direction of the receiving and transmitting unit of the acoustic signal 6 and reaches it. The unit for receiving and transmitting an acoustic signal 6 receives a reflected acoustic echo signal.

The unit for receiving and transmitting an acoustic signal 6 converts the received acoustic echo signal into an electrical signal. After passing through the switch 9, the electric signal is fed to the input of the first amplifier 10. After a certain time (switching period), the switch 9 is transferred to the first position.

The first amplifier 10 amplifies the electric signal and feeds the amplified signal to the second input of the time measuring unit 27. The time measuring unit 27 compares the signal from the output of the generator 25 and the signal from the output of the first amplifier 10. When the signals coincide, the time measuring unit 27 gives a delay time to the control unit 19 between the signals fed to the first and second input of the time measuring unit 27.

Also, the first amplifier 10 amplifies the electric signal and delivers the amplified signal to the input of the detector 11. The detector 11 performs quadratic detection of the amplitude-modulated signal, which is fed to its input. At the output, the detector 11 produces a signal proportional to the square of the amplitude of the modulation signal. The signal from the output of the detector 11 is transmitted to the input of the integrator 12. The integrator 12 integrates over time the voltage received at the input of the integrator 12 of the signal. At the output, the integrator 12 generates an electrical signal whose voltage is proportional to the time integral of the incoming electrical signal. The signal from the output of the integrator 12 is fed to the input of the ADC 13.

The ADC 13 converts the voltage of the electrical signal received at the input into a binary machine code and issues a corresponding digital signal to the output of the ADC 13. The signal from the output of the ADC 13 is fed to the first input of the first comparison unit 15. The first comparison unit 15 compares the value received at the first input with the value taken to the second entrance. The threshold input is supplied to the second input, which is stored in the storage unit of the threshold value 14. If the value at the first input is greater than the value at the second input (threshold), then the signal from the first input will be transmitted to the output of the first comparison unit 15. If less - from the second entrance. The signal from the output of the first comparison unit 15 is fed to the first input of the control unit 19. In the particular case, the ADC 13 can be connected to the circuit after the first amplifier 10. That is, the input of the ADC 13 is connected to the input of the first amplifier 10, and the output of the ADC 13 is connected to the input of the detector 11. In this case, the detection, integration over time and comparison with the threshold value is carried out for a digital signal received from the output of the ADC 13. In this case, the detector 11, the integrator 12 and the first comparison unit 15 actually carry out threshold detection of electrical th signal received from the ADC 13 output.

The control unit 19 issues a command to the assignment unit of the measurement number 16 to provide the current value to the data storage unit about the echo signals 18. Next, the control unit 19 issues a command to assign the next measurement number (one more). If a certain value greater than the threshold value is transmitted to the control unit 19 to the first input, then the control unit 19 sends (directs) this value to the echo signal storage unit 18. If a threshold value is transmitted to the control unit 19 to the first input, then the control unit 19 sends a command to the storage unit of the noise value 17 to issue a certain numerical value, for example, zero to the storage unit for echo signals 18. The control unit 19 receives the propagation time of the signal and transfers it to the third input of the storage unit for echo signals eighteen.

The data storage unit records the value of the measurement number received at the first input and the value received at the second input. Also, the echo signal storage unit 18 records the time value received at the third input. In this case, each measurement number corresponds to a single value that was taken at the second input, and a single value of time that was taken to the third input. At the same time, the angle meter 20 measures the azimuthal angle and transfers the measured value to the first input of the second comparison unit 21.

The rotation angle data storage unit 22 provides the value stored in it to the output of the rotation angle data storage unit 22. The second comparison unit 21 compares the values transmitted to the first and second inputs and gives a larger value to the output. If the values match, then the second block of comparison 21 produces zero on its output.

If the value received at the second input of the control unit 19 is nonzero (i.e., the profilograph rotates), then the control unit 19 gives the command to the data storage unit about the angle of rotation 22 to assign the value received to the second input and this value itself. If the switch 9 is switched after receiving a command from the control unit 19, then the control unit 19 sends a command to the switch 9 to switch to the first position. If the generation of the electric signal in the generator 25 occurs after receiving a command from the control unit 19, then the control unit 19 sends a command to the generator 25 to generate an electric signal.

If the value received at the second input of the control unit 19 is zero (that is, the angle of rotation of the profiler relative to the previous measurement is zero), then the control unit 19 issues a command to the power supply 5 or switch 24 to turn off the power. The azimuthal angle stops changing when the profilograph reaches limiter 7 and stops moving. In a particular case, a disconnector is installed in the lower part of the profiler case 3. When the profilograph touches the limiter 7, the contact of the disconnector is activated, which disconnects the power supply. Also, the control unit 19 before issuing the command to turn off the power may instruct the unit assignment of the measurement number 16 to assign a unit (i.e., reset to one).

Turning off the power in the absence of changes in the azimuthal angle provides a power outage at the lower point of the trajectory of the profilograph, which reduces energy costs and reduces the amount of data stored in the data storage unit for echo signals 18. Similarly, turning off the power when touching the housing 3 and limiter 7 allows you to reduce energy costs and reduces the amount of data stored in the data storage unit about the echo signals.

When scanning the bottom surface, the unit for receiving and transmitting the acoustic signal 6 moves along a helical line with a constant speed of immersion. If the bottom of the tank is flat, then the path of the intersection of the scanning acoustic beam and the plane of the tank will be a spiral. The trajectory of the scanning acoustic beam and the conditional image of the bottom surface are presented in FIG. 3.

The inclusion of the first comparison unit 15, the storage unit of the threshold value 14 and the storage unit of the noise value 17 makes it possible to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, since in the absence of an echo signal received by the reception and transmission unit of the acoustic signal 6 to the data storage unit signals 18 will be recorded the same value, for example, zero.

After the power is turned off, the acoustic profilograph is removed from the liquid, connected to the personal computer via the connector and the data recorded in the echo-signal data storage unit 18 is transmitted to the personal computer. Since the immersion speed of the profilograph in the fluid and the initial position of the profilograph are known, the azimuthal angle. Knowing the propagation time of the acoustic signal, the speed of sound in the liquid, and the angle between the direction of radiation of the acoustic signal and the axis of the profiler, you can determine the distance to the reflecting surface from the axis of the profiler. If you know the length of the rod 1, you can determine the distance from the reflecting surface to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the rod 1 and passing through the lower surface of the stop 7. The azimuthal angle, the distance from the axis of the profilograph, the distance from the plane perpendicular to the axis of the rod 1 and passing through the lower surface of the stop 7 uniquely determine the spatial coordinates of the point from which the acoustic signal is reflected. Based on this set of reflection points, a three-dimensional image of the bottom surface is then constructed.

Thus, the implementation of the acoustic profilograph in the manner described above provides a simplified design and lower energy costs. The rotation of the housing with the elements installed inside it is ensured by its movement along the thread under the action of gravity. As a result of this, there is no need for an engine in the device, which should ensure the rotation of the profile grinder. With this in mind, we can conclude that the simplification of the design is ensured by the absence of the need for a drive (including an engine) in the device. For the drive to work, an additional supply of energy is required, since no drive, then additional energy is not required and energy costs compared with the prototype are reduced.

Claims (6)

1. An acoustic profiler for acquiring an image of the bottom surface according to the first embodiment, comprising a rod and a housing, the rod being provided with a stop located at its end, the housing is provided with a through hole, and the rod and the through hole are provided with threads that interact with each other, in addition, the housing equipped with a unit for receiving and transmitting an acoustic signal, a power supply, a buoyancy control unit, a switch and an area for placing electronic devices, while in the area for placing electronic devices They include a switch, an echo signal storage unit, a generator, a time measuring unit, a detector, an integrator, an analog-to-digital converter, the generator being connected to a switch that is connected to an acoustic signal receiving and transmitting unit and a detector, while the generator and switch are made ensuring the formation of a pulse-modulated signal and transmitting it to the receiving and transmitting unit of the acoustic signal, as well as providing the possibility of transmitting the received reflected signal from the receiving and transmitting unit transmitting the acoustic signal to the detector, the time measuring unit is made and connected with the possibility of measuring the time between the radiation of the probe signal and receiving the reflected signal, the detector is connected to the integrator input, the integrator output is connected to the input of the analog-to-digital converter, the output of the analog-to-digital converter and the output of the unit time measurements are connected to the echo signal storage unit. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes a rotation angle meter, a rotation angle data storage unit, a second comparison unit, and the output of the rotation angle meter and the output of the rotation angle data storage unit are respectively connected to the inputs of the second block comparison, which is made possible by comparing the current value from the angle meter and its previous value stored in the rotation angle data storage unit, the output of the second comparison unit is connected to the power supply I, and the power supply unit is made with the possibility of turning off when receiving a signal initiated by the comparison unit with the equality of its input signals. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a stopper is additionally inserted in it, which is configured to hold the housing relative to the rod until the housing is immersed in liquid. 4. An acoustic profiler for acquiring an image of the bottom surface according to the second embodiment, comprising a rod and a housing, the rod being provided with a stop located at its end, the housing is provided with a through hole, and the rod and the through hole are provided with threads that interact with each other, in addition, the housing equipped with an acoustic signal reception and transmission unit, a power supply unit, a buoyancy control unit, a switch and an area for placing electronic devices, while in the area for placing electronic devices They include a switch, an echo signal storage unit, a generator, a time measuring unit, a detector, an integrator, an analog-to-digital converter, the generator being connected to a switch that is connected to an acoustic signal receiving and transmitting unit and a detector, while the generator and switch are made ensuring the formation of a pulse-modulated signal and transmitting it to the receiving and transmitting unit of the acoustic signal, as well as providing the possibility of transmitting the received reflected signal from the receiving and transmitting unit transmitting the acoustic signal to the detector, the time measuring unit is made and connected with the possibility of measuring the time between the radiation of the probing signal and receiving the reflected signal, the detector is connected to the integrator input, the integrator output is connected to the input of the analog-to-digital converter, and a threshold value storage unit is introduced and the first comparison unit, wherein the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the first comparison unit, the threshold value storage unit is also connected to the first unit I, which is configured to transmit the signal received from the analog-to-digital converter to the echo data storage unit, if the signal from the analog-to-digital converter is larger than the signal from the threshold storage unit, and to transmit the signal to the echo data storage unit equal to zero if the signal from the analog-to-digital converter is less than the signal from the threshold storage unit. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that it also includes an angle meter, a storage unit for rotation angle data, a second comparison unit, and the output of the rotation angle meter and the output of the rotation angle data storage unit are respectively connected to the inputs of the second block comparison, which is made possible by comparing the current value from the angle meter and its previous value stored in the rotation angle data storage unit, the output of the second comparison unit is connected to the power supply I, and the power supply unit is made with the possibility of turning off when receiving a signal initiated by the comparison unit with the equality of its input signals. 6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that a stopper is additionally inserted in it, which is configured to hold the housing relative to the rod until the housing is immersed in liquid.

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