Ultrasound processing circuitry for ultrasonic tomography

Abstract

The development of an ultrasonic transmission tomography system is described. The system is intended for the imaging of two component flows (such as gas/water) inside pipes of industrial processes. Transmission-mode approach has been used for sensing the gas/liquid two-phase flow, which is a kind of strongly inhomogeneous medium. A prototype fixture of vertical column and a prototype design of sensor’s jig for ultrasonic tomography imaging are used. The fixture of the vertical column is designed to hold the sensor’s jig that will have the 16-pairs of ultrasonic sensors attached to it. The investigations were based on the transmission and the reception of ultrasonic sensors that were mounted circularly on the surface of experimental vessel. This paper also explains the hardware and circuitry design for the Ultrasonic Tomography System. Detailed explanation are presented on the sampling circuits used to sample the ultrasonic wave which is then to be sent to the personal computer (PC) for end-user interpretation which will display the reconstructed tomography images.