Real Time Measurement of Multiphase Flow Velocity using Electrical Capacitance Tomography

Abstract

Accurate and real-time measurement of fluid flow velocity is crucial in various industrial processes, especially when dealing with multiple phase fluids. Traditional flow measurement methods often struggle to accurately quantify the velocity of complex multiphase flows within pipes. This challenge necessitates the exploration of innovative techniques capable of providing reliable measurements. This paper proposes the utilization of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) as a promising approach for measuring the velocity of multiple phase fluids in pipes. The ECT technique involves the non-intrusive imaging of the electrical capacitance distribution within the pipe. By utilizing an array of electrodes placed around the pipe circumference, the capacitance distribution can be reconstructed, offering insight into the fluid flow patterns. By analyzing the temporal changes in the capacitance distribution, the velocity of different phases within the pipe can be estimated. To achieve accurate velocity measurements, an ECT system needs to account for the complexities introduced by multiphase flows. Various image reconstruction algorithms, such as linear back-projection and iterative algorithms like Gauss-Newton and Levenberg-Marquardt, are employed to reconstruct the capacitance distribution. Additionally, advanced signal processing techniques, such as cross-correlation analysis and time-difference methods, are used to extract velocity information from the reconstructed images. This paper presents an experimental investigation of measuring the velocity of multiple-phase fluids in pipes using the ECT technique. The study aims to address the challenges associated with different flow regimes, fluid properties, and pipe geometries by exploring advancements in electrode design, system calibration, and data processing techniques to enhance the accuracy and robustness of ECT-based velocity measurements.