Characterizing Flocculated Mineral Sediments with Acoustic Backscatter, Using Solid and Hybrid Scattering Models

This study investigated the performance of an acoustic backscatter system (ABS) for the in situ particle characterization of complex wastes. Two sediments were used: a fine, milled calcite that was flocculated with anionic polyacrylamide and naturally flocculated pond sludge. Particles were initially measured independently by light-based techniques to gain size, the coefficient of variation (COV), and fractal dimensions. For acoustic experiments, a bespoke, high-fidelity ABS was employed with 1, 2.25, and 5 MHz probes and a recirculating mixing tank. Initially, the concentration independent attenuation and backscatter coefficients were measured for each system using a robust calibration procedure at multiple concentrations. Comparisons of the total scattering cross-section (χ) and form function (f) were made between the experimental data and two semiempirical models: a Solid Scattering model and a Hybrid model (where the effects of bound fluid are incorporated). Experimental data compared more closely to the Solid Scattering model, as it was assumed scattering was dominated by small, bound “flocculi” rather than the macroscopic structure. However, if the COV was used as a fit parameter, the hybrid model could give equally accurate fits for a range of input aggregate sizes, highlighting that important size and structure information can be gained from the acoustic models if there is some a priori system data. Additionally, dual-frequency inversions were undertaken to measure concentration profiles for various frequency pairs. Here, the lowest frequency pair gave the best performance (with accurate measurements in the range of 2–35 g·L–1) as interparticle scattering was lowest