Particle image velocimetry: Simultaneous two-phase flow measurements

A method using particle image velocimetry to study pneumatic conveyance of a solid phase is presented. The technology enables simultaneous velocity measurements of both phases by isolating the measurements of each phase. The image processing which implements the phase separation is simple, but has limitations. The method is restricted to low solid densities to avoid a quality drop in the measurements, and cross talk between measurements of the two phases. A discussion based on numerical and experimental results concludes on the working range of the method and demonstrates measurements of slip velocity.