Evaluating the 3D sensitivity function for a capacitive flowmeter

Abstract

This paper presents a capacitive cross-correlation flowmeter for the pneumatic conveying of bulk solids and the determination of the 3D sensitivity function of the sensor. A discrete perturbation approach is made for both the sensitivity determination by means of Finite Element Analysis and by means of measurement with a prototype sensor. The obtained sensitivities are compared and the applicability of Finite Element Analysis for capacitance-based flow measurement is discussed.