Return to articleA number of acoustic functions are combined in the "smart tank." The spherical tank is novel in that the liquid is centered about a central hub with a jacket of gas or vapors. The jacket serves as an added layer of insulation, dramatically reducing the heat transfer through the tank walls. The central hub provides a means of filling and draining the liquids. An outer and inner band of transducer array elements can be used to transfer the liquid to the hub, drive out gas bubbles, and stabilize the liquid mass on the hub. Acoustic pulse echo sensing tracks the surface position, and radiation pressure forces the liquid to remain centered.
Last updated: June 25, 2003
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