Session: 10-06-02: Fluid Measurements and Instrumentation

Paper Number: 144975

144975 - Uncertainty Analysis Methodology for Fluid Dynamic Gauging Characterization 

The in-situ characterization of soft deposits in liquid media is important in several scientific and industrial applications but presents substantial technological challenges. Nevertheless, fluid dynamic gauging (FDG), which is based on the principle of fluid flow through a nozzle constriction, has been demonstrated to reliably estimate the thickness of wet deposits but its uncertainty analysis has not been rigorously addressed in the literature. This paper reports the development of a comprehensive device-agnostic methodology that can be used to characterize the uncertainty of FDG instruments. Furthermore, the uncertainty analysis of a calibrated instrument that has a horizontal configuration, in which the flow rate is controlled but the pressure drop is measured, is presented. The results indicate that the calibrated FDG instrument can be used to estimate the thickness of deposits that exceed 60 µm. In addition, the sensitivity of the instrument for thickness measurements was found to be strongly dependent on the confidence interval of the expanded uncertainty coefficient. An important contribution of the paper is the introduction of an uncertainty component for instruments that have their nozzles actuated during operation to avoid deforming the deposit that is being measured.

Presenting Author: Adesola Olufade AccuraSEE Instruments

Presenting Author Biography: Adesola Olufade is a research scientist and professional engineer whose expertise lies in the broad area of experimental thermo-fluids systems with specificity in the characterization of fouling in heat exchangers. He also teaches first year university-level engineering courses at a local college. Overall, his research and development efforts in academia and industry have attracted funding from government and private agencies towards developing energy-efficient technologies, training personnel, and disseminating contributions to knowledge.

Authors:

Adesola Olufade AccuraSEE Instruments