Characterization of slug flows in horizontal piping by signal analysis from a capacitive probe

The slug flow is a common occurrence in gas–liquid piping flows. Usually it is an undesirable flow regime since the existence of long lumps of liquid slug moving at high speed is unfavorable to gas–liquid transportation, so that considerable effort has been devoted to study its hydrodynamic characteristics. In this work, a capacitive probe was used for dynamic measurements in the horizontal air–water slug flows, for several flow rates. The acquired signals were representative of the effective liquid layer thickness near every cross sectional area of the flow, instead of merely the holdup or void fraction in a finite volume of the flow. This was possible because probe had a thin sensing electrode that minimizes the axial length effect on the measurements. Tests were performed in a 34 mm i.d. acrylic pipe, 5 m long; in which slug flows as well as stratified-smooth and stratified-wavy flows were generated. Signal analysis techniques were applied for flow regime identification and toward characterization of these two-phase flows: Power Spectrum Density (PSD) from Fourier Transform and Probability Density Function (PDF) from Statistical Analysis. Therefore, PSD and PDF graphs were taken as signatures of each flow under test and a correlation was calculated for each PSD and PDF set of data, which showed to be a robust parameter for correct flow regime identification.     

Radio-frequency probe for bubble size and velocity measurements

A radio frequency (rf) probe that can provide local void fraction and interface velocity measurements in a gas-liquid two-phase flow was developed. The probe response to bubble passage was investigated with single-bubble controlled experiments. For a fixed geometry, the probe response was dependent on the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding the probe tip (air or water) and on the frequency of the carrier signal supplied to the probe. Bubble lengths (< 1 cm) and average bubble approach velocities (< 160 cm/s) were independently measured by two light sources and detectors placed at a known distance from each other and sensing the passage of each bubble. By choosing a sensitive probe tip length of 2.75-3 mm, the rf probe output provided enough information to determine the bubble length and velocity. The results obtained by the two independent methods show reasonable agreement (+/-10%).     

A spiral scanning probe system for micro-aspheric surface profile measurement

This paper presents a novel spiral scanning probe measurement system which is developed to achieve precise profile measurements of micro-aspheric surfaces. The system consists of a scanning stage (a spindle and a linear slide) and a contact-type displacement sensor. The contact-type sensor is employed for the scanning of the micro-aspheric surface. The micro-aspheric object is set on the spindle, and the contact-type displacement sensor is set on the linear slide. The motions of the spindle and the linear slide are controlled synchronously so that the micro-aspheric object is scanned spirally for high-speed measurement. The motions of the stage are used as the scanning datum for the profile measurement. Because the error motions of the stage are estimated to be on the order of tens of nanometer, these errors are measured and compensated to achieve precise measurements. The alignment error between the spindle rotation axis and the probe tip of the contact-type displacement sensor, which is called the centering error, is confirmed to cause considerable measurement error of the micro-aspheric surface profile. Methods are proposed to make the alignment accurately. Experiments of surface profile measurement of a micro-aspheric lens are also carried out in the measurement system.     

Optimisation of four-sensor probes for measuring bubble velocity components in bubbly air-water and oil-water flows

In a previous paper Lucas and Mishra (2005) [3] a local four-sensor conductance probe was introduced to measure the velocity vectors of dispersed bubbles in bubbly two-phase flow in which the continuous phase is water. There are a very limited number of alternative methods available for bubble velocity vector measurement with which results from, for example, computational fluid dynamic models can be compared and so the four-sensor probe technique is of interest to the multiphase flow community. In the previous paper [3] a mathematical model was presented to calculate the velocity vector of each gas bubble from seven time intervals which were measured using the output signals from each of four ‘needle’ conductance sensors located within the probe. In the present paper, a new technique for making the local four-sensor probe is introduced to minimise interference with the measured bubbles. A new signal processing method is presented using criteria to ensure that (i) the group of sensor signals from which the bubble velocity vector is to be determined are all produced by the same bubble and (ii) bubbles which contact the local four-sensor probe in an ambiguous manner are ignored. The accuracy with which the locations of each of the rear sensors in the probe relative to the lead sensor can be measured influences the accuracy with which the bubble velocity vector can be measured. However, the degree to which the accuracy of the measured velocity vector is affected by errors in the measured probe dimensions is dependent upon the geometrical arrangement of the four sensors within the probe. Experimental results and an error analysis are presented which show that the susceptibility of the velocity vector measurement technique to errors in the measured probe dimensions is reduced if the geometrical arrangement of the four sensors is optimised. As a result of this initial work, an optimised probe, known as the P30 probe, was designed and built and results obtained from the P30 probe in swirling oil-in-water bubbly flow are presented. A probe calibration factor is defined in this paper which can be interpreted as a measure of the interference of a probe with the motion of the bubbles with which it interacts. For the probes described in this paper the calibration factor was found to be much closer to unity than for previous four-sensor probes described in the literature (e.g. [3]) suggesting that these new probes have a much smaller effect on the bubbles’ motion than previous probes.     

水平管道中瓦斯爆炸火焰传播速度测量

在煤炭工业中, 瓦斯爆炸事故经常发生, 造成了巨大的人员伤亡以及材料性能的破坏. 在研究瓦斯爆炸机理过程中, 火焰前端传播速度是最重要的因素之一. 根据中北大学水平管道实验装置设计了一套火焰速度测量系统, 用于研究在密闭管道内圆环障碍物的数量和阻塞比对火焰传播速度的影响. 结果表明, 障碍物对瓦斯爆炸产生的火焰具有明显的加速作用. 随障碍物数量和阻塞比的增加, 火焰加速更加明显且持续更剧烈. 其中, 障碍物数量对火焰加速持续的作用更大, 而障碍物阻塞比的作用不明显.     

Backlight imaging tomography for slug flows in straight and helical tubes

Backlight imaging tomography is used to experimentally investigate interfacial structures of gas–liquid two-phase flow in circular tubes. The tomography method is based on the attenuation of visible light that causes the inside of the liquid phases to be colored with dye. Increasing the number of light projections provides accurate phase distributions to be reconstructed by a linear backward projection scheme. After the reconstruction performance is examined with numerical simulations for several test cases, the method is applied to slug flows that have complicated 3D interfaces from turbulence. Interfacial structures are compared between straight and helical tubes to determine the effect of centrifugal acceleration. The result demonstrates that centrifugal acceleration provides a liquid-clinging layer on the inner wall against gravity while a high-speed collision of liquid with the top wall happens in a straight tube.     

两相流速度分布算法的研究

提出一种基于小波变换、神经网络和空间滤波测量速度成像的方法。神经网络用来重构管道相关部分的图像。小波变换用于确定每个像素空间滤波信号的带宽 ,并由此得到速度和它的图像。实验结果表明这种速度成像测量方法是可靠的。     

Computational analysis of responses of a wedge-shaped-tip optical fiber probe in bubble measurement

Optical-fiber probing is widely employed in bubble∕droplet measurement in gas-liquid two-phase flows. Several types of optical fiber probes with a very high S∕N ratio and high performance have been developed, but further improvement in the probes' measurement accuracy and reliability for industrial applications is desired. We tried to eliminate optical noise in the probe measurements, and we found that the signals include some peak signs that have potential for advanced measurement with optical-fiber probing. We developed a ray-tracing numerical simulator and identified the mechanisms underlying the generation of the signals. In order to numerically simulate the optical probing signals, the simulator must use 3D frameworks composed of incident beams, the reflection and refraction on the surfaces of the optical elements (i.e., an optical fiber, a sensing tip, an air phase, and a water phase), and beams returning from the sensing tip to the other tip through the fiber. We used all of these in a simple rendering framework based on a ray-tracing algorithm with Fresnel's law, and we observed the mechanism of some promising signals that may be useful for extracting the hidden potential of optical-fiber probing. To verify the simulator's performance, we carried out three comparative experiments with fundamental setups using a wedge-shaped single-tip optical fiber probe, examining: (1) the beam trajectories and energy leaking out from the sensing tip into the surrounding air phase or water phase, (2) the probing signals throughout penetration of the sensing tip at the air-water free interface in light of the three-dimensional deformation, and (3) the probing signals throughout penetration of the sensing tip into a bubble in light of the three-dimensional bubble shape. As a result, (a) we found that an optical fiber probe with a wedge-shaped tip has particular characteristics of beam emissions from the tip, and the emitting angles switched depending on the phases covering the tip. This phenomenon is very effective for further advanced measurement. (b) We observed numerically that the cutting angle of the sensing tip maximizing the air signal level was approximately 30°, and therefore this angle is the best for obtaining the highest S∕N ratio. (c) We found that the meniscus shape clearly affected the probing signal optically. (d) We observed the mechanism of a pre-signal caused by the reflection at the frontal and rear interfaces of a bubble. The pre-signal is very useful for practical measurement because it appears only when the probe penetrates the center region of a bubble. We compared the above numerical results with the results of the three experiments, and there was satisfactory correspondence between the numerical and experimental results.     

Application of ultrasonic multi-wave method for two-phase bubbly and slug flows

This paper proposes a measurement technique for two-phase bubbly and slug flows using ultrasound. In order to obtain both liquid and gas velocity distributions simultaneously, a new technique for separating liquid and gas velocity data is developed. The technique employs a unique ultrasonic transducer referred to as multi-wave transducer (TDX). The multi-wave TDX consists of two kinds of ultrasonic piezoelectric elements which have different resonant frequencies. The central element of 3 mm diameter has a basic frequency of 8 MHz and the outer element has a basic frequency of 2 MHz. The multi-wave TDX can emit the two ultrasonic frequencies independently. In our previous investigations, both elements were connected with two ultrasonic velocity profile (UVP) monitors to measure liquid and bubble velocity distributions. However, the technique was limited to the measurement of bubbly flows at low void-fraction. Furthermore, it was impossible to synchronize the instantaneous velocities of liquid and bubbles because of the facility limitation. In order to overcome these disadvantages, cross-correlation method is employed for the measurements in this study. In order to apply the technique to flow measurements, ultrasound pressure fields are measured. As a result, it is found that the TDX must be set 20 mm away from the test section. The technique is applied to measuring bubbly and slug flows. By the combination of 2 and 8 MHz ultrasonic echo signals, the echo signals are distinguished between reflected from particles and bubbles. Compared with the results of obtaining with the multi-wave method and a high-speed camera, it is confirmed that the technique can separate the information of liquid and gas phases at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz.     

Velocity measurement in solid–liquid flows using an impact probe

The use of a modified impact type of probe for velocity field measurement in the flow of multi-sized (d₅₀=71 μm) particulate slurries is described. The impact probe has a sensor similar to a two hole offset probe but has a modified pressure sensing system which prevents blockage of the probe by the solid particles. The probe system has been successfully used in slurry flows over a wide range of solid concentrations (0–40% by weight) and flow velocities (1.67–2.95 m/s). The data presented in this paper have revealed some special features of velocity distribution in the flow of multi-sized particulate suspensions.     

A differential laser autocollimation probe for on-machine measurement

An optical probe based on the principle of differential laser autocollimation has been developed for the purpose of on-machine measurement of mirror shapes. The probe is so compact that it can be mounted on diamond lathes. It can be rotated by a stepping motor about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of measurement, and has been used to measure mirror shapes on an apparatus that imitates the conditions of an on-machine measurement system. The probe can reduce remarkably the measurement errors due to vibrational and thermal noises that could not be avoided previously in on-machine measurement. Estimating from repeatability, accuracy is better than 0.1 μm in measurement of a parabolic curve whose depth is >1 mm and length is ≈ 100 mm.     

Comparative study of electrostatic sensors with circular and probe electrodes for velocity measurement of pulverised coal

This paper presents recent progress on the velocity measurement of pulverised coal in pneumatic pipelines using electrostatic sensors in combination with correlation signal processing techniques.A comparative study of electrostatic sensors with circular and probe electrodes was conducted on a 94 mm bore horizontal pipeline in a 4 MW furnace.The advantages and limitations of both sensors are discussed.Experimental results demonstrate that both sensors are capable of providing pulverised coal velocity measurement with excellent repeatability and dynamic response.     

Analytical investigation of an inductive flow sensor with arc-shaped electrodes for water velocity measurement in two-phase flows

An inductive flow sensor with spot-shaped electrodes (IFS-SE) is sensitive to the shape of the flow profile and is restricted to be used to measure the flow rate of axisymmetric single-phase flows in a circular pipe. In many cases of application, it is not possible to provide a fully developed flow profile. Therefore, the inductive flow sensor has to cope with flow profiles that are not fully developed. To improve the accuracy, an inductive flow sensor with a pair of arc-shaped electrodes flush-mounted on the internal surface of an insulating section of a pipe is proposed in this article to investigate the characteristics of vertical gas-water two-phase flows. The effect of the flow profile on the inductive flow sensor is analyzed. A key contribution of the present work is to estimate the relationship between the induced voltage and the velocity of the conductive phase in two-phase flows. The estimation is achieved by the analytical calculation of magnetic-inductive equations through the method of variables separation. The analytical solution is compared with the results from an ideal model and from numerical simulation. Experiments are conducted to calibrate the inductive flow sensor with arc-shaped electrodes (IFS-AE). It is noted that the proposed IFS-AE can be adopted to obtain the velocity of the conductive phase in two-phase flows by measuring the voltage induced on the arc-shaped electrodes.     

Micro-scale hole profile measurement using rotating wire probe and acoustic emission contact detection

The development of a new probing method to inspect the inner diameter of micro-scale holes is presented in this paper. This was accomplished by contact detection using acoustic emission with a Ø170 μm rotating wire probe tip. Contact is detected when the rotating probe approaches and impacts the hole’s inner surface. The effective diameter of the rotating probe is calibrated by using a high precision grade 0 Mitutoyo gauge block. The wire rotating probe used was fabricated with micro stainless steel wire and micro tubes. The probe’s effective diameter was compensated for in the measurement of the hole. The probe was used to measure the diameter and the roundness of micro-scale holes. Probes used in previous publications have different geometry than the probe in this paper and are used almost exclusively for external dimensions. Micro-scale holes of less than 1.0 mm in diameter and 10 mm in depth are successfully measured and the 3D profile is created accordingly. Also, the out-of-roundness values of each level spacing, 50 μm apart in height, are calculated.     

A probe diagnostics for high-speed flows of rarefied partially dissociated plasma

A procedure of probe diagnostics of supersonic flows of rarefied partially dissociated plasma has been developed. It is shown that the use of a single cylindrical Langmuir probe and a pressure probe allows determination of the complete set of the local values of plasma parameters and the degrees of dissociation, nonisothermality, and flow ionization.     

A new visualisation and measurement technology for water continuous multiphase flows

This paper reports the performance of a research prototype of a new multiphase flow instrument to non-invasively measure the phase flow rates, with the capability to rapidly image the flow distributions of two- and three-phase (gas and/or oil in water) flows. The research prototype is based on the novel concepts of combining vector Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) sensor (for measuring dispersed-phase velocity and fraction) with an electromagnetic flow metre (EMF, for measuring continuous-phase velocity with the EIT input) and a gradiomanometer flow-mixture density metre (FDM), in addition to on-line water conductivity, temperature and absolute pressure measurements. EIT–EMF–FDM data fusion embedded in the research prototype, including online calibration/compensation of conductivity change due to the change of fluids' temperature or ionic concentration, enables the determination of mean concentration, mean velocity and hence the mean flow rate of each individual phase based on the measurement of dispersed-phase distributions and velocity profiles. Results from first flow-loop experiments conducted at Schlumberger Gould Research (SGR) will be described. The performance of the research prototype in flow-rate measurements are evaluated by comparison with the flow-loop references. The results indicate that optimum performance of the research prototype for three-phase flows is confined within the measuring envelope 45–100% Water-in-Liquid Ratio (WLR) and 0–45% Gas Volume Fraction (GVF). Within the scope of this joint research project funded by the UK Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), only vertical flows with a conductive continuous liquid phase will be addressed.     

Two-point correlation estimation of turbulent shear flows using a novel laser Doppler velocity profile sensor

In this paper we describe, for the first time, a new method of two-point correlation estimations of turbulent flows using a laser Doppler velocity profile sensor. For the spatial correlation estimations the laser Doppler velocity profile sensor offers unique opportunities since a high spatial resolution of approximately 20 micron within the measurement volume is achieved. Furthermore, the low relative velocity measurement uncertainty of about 0.1% yields a high resolution of small velocity fluctuations and, therefore, allows correlation investigations where such high resolution is required. Moreover, a new virtual detection volume technique is presented which is only applicable in conjunction with the laser Doppler velocity profile sensor and offers the potential to achieve highly precise spatial correlation estimations. Measurements have been carried out in the turbulent wake of a circular. Both temporal as well as spatial correlation estimations have been calculated from the acquired velocity data yielding a longitudinal Taylor microscale of 3.53 mm and a transverse Taylor microscale of 1.84 mm.     

Approximate velocity scale for primary and secondary dual-inlet side-dump flows

Effects of the bulk inlet velocity on the characteristics of dual-inlet side-dump flows are numerically investigated. Non-reacting subsonic turbulent flow is solved by a preconditioned Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation system with low-Reynolds number k − ɛ turbulence model. The numerical method is properly validated with measured velocity distributions in the head dome and the combustor. With substantial increase in the bulk inlet velocity, general profiles of essential primary and secondary flows normalized by the bulk inlet velocity are quantitatively invariant to the changes in the bulk inlet velocity. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Do Hyung Lee Seung-chai Jung received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, Korea, in 2001. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, Korea, in 2005. Mr. Jung is currently a Ph. D. candidate at Yonsei University, where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Jung’s research interests include propulsion system and particle-surface collision dynamics. Byung-Hoon Park received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Design and Production Engineering from Yonsei University in 2003. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. His research interests include performance design of propulsion systems and nu-merical analysis of instability in multiphase turbulent reacting flow-fields. Hyun Ko received his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Chonbuk National University, Korea, in 1996. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Design from Chonbuk National University, Korea, in 1998. In 2005, he obtained his Ph.D. degree from Yonsei University, where he majored in mechanical engineering. Dr. Ko is currently a Principal Research Engineer of the MicroFriend Co., Ltd. in Seoul, Korea. His research interests include propulsion related systems and computational fluid dynamics. Woong-sup Yoon received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, Korea, in 1985. He then received his M.S. degree from University of Missouri-Rolla in 1989. In 1992, he obtained his Ph.D. degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he majored in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Dr. Yoon is currently a professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. His research interests include propulsion system and particle-related environmental/ thermal engineering.