Ultrasonic communication through water-filled pipes

A research project was commissioned to investigate using the water inside water filled pipes as the transmission medium for communication using ultrasound. An investigation of the theory of sound propagation in fluid filled pipes was undertaken, which has resulted in the ability to model the effects of signal frequency and pipe geometry, as well as transducer dimensions. This was augmented by a wide ranging experimental programme which covered the effects of corners and valves, as well as flow and bubbles in plastic walled and steel walled pipes. This work has resulted in design guidelines for the range of a practical system. A demonstration system was constructed and digital communication was demonstrated in the laboratory.