Spatial control over ultrasonic cleaning of mining equipment using a phased array technology

Abstract

Purpose. To develop methods for spatial control over ultrasonic cleaning by using ultrasonic phased array of radiators. To simulate the cleaning process using the developed methods to prove their effectiveness. Methodology. Application of the ultrasonic array as a basic radiator for ultrasonic cleaning enables redistribution of intensity in the bath by increasing it in the most contaminated zones of the cleaned object. Geometric and physical laws provide analytically defined parameters of the beam. Findings. The authors determine basic parameters for the ultrasonic beam through considering input and output data of the 3-D fuzzy interval controller. The focus distance is calculated by means of the arrival time of the threshold signal considering distances between the sensor and the array. The azimuth is directed into the bath center and dependent on its height only. The zenithal angle is calculated as a ratio of intensities of the current arrays and the nearest adjacent ones towards the greatest one. By default, the beam is directed to the bath center for the phased array with the greatest intensity. The simulation reveals that the applied approach enables a 41.5% increase in intensity in the contamination zone, this improving energy efficiency of cleaning and reducing time required for ultrasonic treatment. Originality. The authors suggest new methods for forming control over ultrasonic cleaning, which enables considering spatial distribution of this process by optimizing energy losses. Practical value. The new approach to spatial control over ultrasonic cleaning enables redirecting intensity in the bath to the most contaminated zones, this allowing an increase in energy efficiency of large mining machines of complicated configuration.