Abstract
This paper discusses a state-of-the-art inline tubular sensor that can measure the viscosity–density of a passing fluid. In this study, experiments and numerical modelling were performed to develop a deeper understanding of the tubular sensor. Experimental results were compared with an analytical model of the torsional resonator. Good agreement was found at low viscosities, although the numerical model deviated slightly at higher viscosities. The sensor was used to measure viscosities in the range of 0.3–1000 mPa·s at a density of 1000 kg/m3. Above 50 mPa·s, numerical models predicted viscosity within ±5% of actual measurement. However, for lower viscosities, there was a higher deviation between model and experimental results up to a maximum of ±21% deviation at 0.3 mPa·s. The sensor was tested in a flow loop to determine the impact of both laminar and turbulent flow conditions. No significant deviations from the static case were found in either of the flow regimes. The numerical model developed for the tubular torsional sensor was shown to predict the sensor behavior over a wide range, enabling model-based design scaling.
Highlights
Viscosity is measured by sampling and analyzing fluids with common laboratory viscometers or rheometers
Sensors using torsional vibration are a subgroup of mechanical resonators
The numerical model was fitted to the experiments to account for any systematic deviation
Summary
Viscosity is measured by sampling and analyzing fluids with common laboratory viscometers or rheometers These instruments are time consuming, error prone, expensive, and prohibit a fast and automated system response. Sensors based on mechanical resonance, are a promising alternative to conventional laboratory equipment These sensors are robust, have no moving parts, and are, suited to real-time measurements. Sensors using torsional vibration are a subgroup of mechanical resonators If purely cylindrical, these sensors create pure shear stresses and do not increase mass displacement, such as tuning forks or cantilevers. These sensors create pure shear stresses and do not increase mass displacement, such as tuning forks or cantilevers This makes them more robust, and measurement less sensitive towards, e.g., wall effects
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