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 were identified, developed and implemented in the constructed vertical experimental system. This computer-aided experimental system (CAES) was used to generate all typical flow patterns in vertical flow and measure all chosen dynamic parameters (concentration, pressure, and interfacial phenomenon) simultaneously and in the same space. In this CAES, the flow pattern discrimination system is composed of the application of two different electromagnetic methods (capacitive and resistive), a static pressure method and an optical method. In the reported experimental research on adiabatic air-water flow in a circular vertical channel, results were obtained using a cluster of four chosen measurement systems simultaneously. The results allowed a direct comparison of the ability of each method in terms of application as a flow pattern discriminator. The different abilities of individual methods to detect flow patterns were documented and discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.