A Triple-Modality Ultrasound Computed Tomography Based on Full-Waveform Data for Industrial Processes

Ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) is gaining interests in many application areas in industrial processes. The recent scientific research focuses on the possible uses of USCT for varied fields of industry such as flow monitoring in pipes, non-destructive inspection, and monitoring of stirred tanks chemical processes. Until now, most transmission tomography (UTT) and reflection tomography (URT) have been demonstrated individually for these applications. A full waveform USCT contain large amount of information on process under evaluation. The developed approach in this paper is focusing on demonstration of a triple modality USCT. First, an optimised transmission image is formed by fusion of time-of-flight (TOF) and acoustic attenuation (AA) images. Secondly, a reflection image is being optimised by using the information from the transmission image. This triple modality method enables integration of a shape-based approach obtained by URT mode with the quantitative image-based approach UTT mode. A delicate combination of the different information provided by various features of the full-wave signal offers optimal and increased spatial resolution and provides complementary information. Verification tests have been implemented using experimental phantoms of different combinations, sizes, and shapes, to investigate the qualitative imaging features. Moreover, experiments with different concentrations solutions further validate the quantitative traits to benefit from both reflection and transmission modes. This work displays the potential of the full-waveform USCT for industrial applications.