Thermo-Acoustic Water Analyzer in Hydrocarbon Emulsions with Kalman Filter

Abstract

Problem statement: Water detection in hydrocarbon emulsions represents a serious challenge in petroleum production industry. The elemenation of measurment noises is also desired. Approach: In this study, a systematic and an applicable method of water detection in hydrocarbon emulsion is achieved using thermoacoustic effect. A Kalman filter is applied to correct measurement errors and to improve accuracy. Results: The study focused on sensing the presence of water in kerosene using the established correlation between the content of hydrocarbon emulsion and the characteristics of the acoustic wave generated by inundation of a heated rod in the emulsion. The implemented filteration enhanced the peromance of the measurment system. Conclusion: This approach was tested experimentally and showed that the produced acoustic signal can be utilized as an informative parameter in quality control schemes of petrochemical oil products.