Evaluation of wavelet analysis performance in multiphase level measurement using ultrasonic sensors

Abstract

This paper presents an evaluation of the performance of wavelet analysis in the filtering of ultrasonic echoes applied to the measurement of multiple levels of liquids in a single tank. A revision of previous references in the filtering of ultrasound signals used in this application is presented. A simulation model of ultrasonic sensors and the measurement system is developed, considering the attenuation of the mediums and the presence of additive noise. A single mother wavelet is used and the number of required levels of decomposition for signal detection is verified. Simulation results are presented with comparison of the measurement uncertainty achieved under different signal-to-noise ratios.