Comparison study of a cluster of four dynamic flow pattern discrimination techniques for multi-phase flow

Four frequently used measurement methods for flow pattern discrimination we re identified, developed and implemented in the constructed vertical experi mental system. This computer-aided experimental system (CAES) was used to g enerate all typical flow patterns in vertical flow and measure all chosen d ynamic parameters (concentration, pressure, and interfacial phenomenon) sim ultaneously and in the same space. In this CAES, the flow pattern discrimin ation system is composed of the application of two different electromagneti c methods (capacitive and resistive), a static pressure method and an optic al method. In the reported experimental research on adiabatic air-water flo w in a circular vertical channel, results were obtained using a cluster of four chosen measurement systems simultaneously. The results allowed a direc t comparison of the ability of each method in terms of application as a flo w pattern discriminator. The different abilities of individual methods to d etect flow patterns were documented and discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scienc e Ltd. All rights reserved.