Flow rate measurement by kinematic wave detection in vertically upward, bubbly two-phase flows

This paper describes a technique for measuring the flow rates of both phases in one-dimensional, vertically upward, bubbly oil-water flows. Measurements of the speed of naturally occurring kinematic waves, obtained using an impedance cross-correlation flow meter, were combined with measurements of the disperse phase volume fraction and an appropriate kinematic wave model to yield predictions of the flux density of both the oil and the water. A systematic error of -3.16%, and an additional random error with a standard deviation of 2.58%, was observed in the predicted oil flux density (and the predicted oil volumetric flow rate). A systematic error of +4.41%, and an additional random error with a standard deviation of 4.83%, was observed in the predicted water flux density (and the predicted water volumetric flow rate). The impedance cross-correlation flow meter has no moving parts and is of robust construction, making the technique described here suitable for implementation in vertical oil wells. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.