Power Ultrasonics
Brunel Innovation Centre (BIC) has developed bespoke Power Ultrasonics (PU) system (hardware, firmware and software) from concept through to delivery, enabling solutions that are deployed to achieve non-invasive ultrasonic cleaning of oil and gas and renewable assets, blockage removal and assisting manufacturing joining technologies (welding, additive manufacturing, etc). Throughout the technology’s growth, numerical modelling models have been to facilitate the design and optimisation of cleaning system (topology, power, frequency). The Centre facilities are host to vibrational analysis and transducer characterisation capabilities.
The main focus of the research is the development of low-cost power ultrasonic hardware including; power amplifiers, transducers, array design, communications, and data analytics. It is vital to optimise the behaviour and the operation of the system depending on the application to maintain a low CAPEX and OPEX.
APPLICATION
There are two main applications where power ultrasonication is applied:
- Fouling prevention and removal: the focus in this area is on the removal of calcite and biofouling using high power ultrasonication. BIC is also working on blockage removal for specific and difficult access application;
- Material processing: high power ultrasonic is used to support traditional manufacturing techniques such as welding (laser, TIG, MIG) and additive manufacturing (LMD). Sonication is applied to the liquid phase with the aim of improving the material properties (homogenization, grain refinement, micro-porosity prevention)
BIC has applied ultrasonic devices across many industries;
- Manufacturing
- oil & gas
- offshore structures
- renewables
- medical
KEY PROJECTS
ULTRAMAT
UltraMat project trials at Carrs
RobFMS
SONICSMR
CLEANWINTUR
HITCLEAN