[2A5] Advanced non-invasive ultrasound technique for measuring whisky cask level
D Zhang, W Jackson, G Dobie, C MacLeod, A Gachagan and C Forrester
Strathclyde University, UK
Ensuring whisky cask quality and effective inventory management requires regular measurement and inspection to identify issues such as leaks, damage and contamination. Additionally, monitoring liquid levels offers insights into maturation progress, evaporation rates and production planning. Traditional methods, such as dipsticks and pressure sensors, have limitations: dipsticks necessitate moving casks from high shelves, posing safety risks and requiring cask opening, while pressure sensors are temperature-sensitive and less accurate. The paper introduces a novel non-invasive ultrasound method for measuring liquid levels in wooden casks. An external ultrasonic probe moves along the cask’s surface, utilising the distinct ultrasonic properties in liquid and air to detect the liquid’s upper boundary, indicating the whisky level. This method requires access to only a small portion of the cask, allowing accurate on-site monitoring to be performed and reducing the costs and risks associated with moving casks. The paper provides quantitative data on ultrasonic properties such as moisture, velocity and signal attenuation for various cask samples. The prototype system demonstrated success on a retired ex-bourbon whisky cask, achieving centimetre-level accuracy without needing to open the cask, compared to dipstick reference readings.
