Acoustic emission chemical sensor

In many chemical processing industries it is important to monitor the kinetics of chemical reactions in on-line conditions. Commonly available methods used for the characterization of the kinetics of chemical reactions are based on laboratory analysis of reaction products with significant time delay in reporting. A novel acoustic wave sensor capable of monitoring the kinetics of chemical reactions has been designed, fabricated and tested. The principle of operation of the sensor is based on the acoustic emission (AE) phenomena. Acoustic emission signals are generated by most dynamic chemical systems. The acoustic emission chemical (AEC) sensor was used subsequently for monitoring the kinetics of the causticization process, an important process in paper manufacturing. Potential applications of the AEC sensor include process control in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries