Particles flow identification in pipeline using adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system and electrodynamic sensors

Abstract

Purpose

An identification model for materials flow through a pipeline is presented in this paper. The development of the model involves fuzzy C-means clustering, in which different flow regimes can be identified by every adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

For experimentation, 16 electrodynamic sensors were used to monitor and measure the charge carried by dense particles flow through a pipeline in a vertical gravity flow rig system. Four ANFIS models were also used simultaneously to provide the expected output on thresh-holding and were evaluated for ten different flow regimes, which produced satisfactory results at high flow rate.

Findings

The observations made on the four ANFIS models in the flow identification experimentation (in ten different flow regimes) have shown convincing and satisfactory results at high-flow rate of the particles.

Originality/value

Electrodynamic sensors have shown strong sensing capability in identification of dense-particle flows within a conveyor; and also proven capability to operate effectively in harsh industrial environments due to their firm and simple structures. Moreover, it has been verified that these sensors can conveniently be applied in flow regime identification of solid particles.

Citation

Khairalla, M., Rahmat, M.F., Abdul Wahab, N., Thuku, I.T., Tajdari, T. and Yusuf, A.A. (2014), "Particles flow identification in pipeline using adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system and electrodynamic sensors", Sensor Review, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 201-208. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-09-2012-700