Characterization of Flow Homogeneity Downstream of a Slotted Orifice Plate in a Two-Phase Flow Using Electrical Resistance Tomography

Abstract

The accurate measurement of two-phase flow parameters has always been a key issue for many industries. Advancements in flow measurement techniques led to the development of multiphase flow meters which can measure it without separating it to individual phases. This technique is based on the homogeneous flow model which treats the two-phase flow as a single-phase flow at the homogenized location. It has been experimentally proven that a slotted orifice plate is a better flow homogenizer than a standard orifice plate and a V-cone. However, the location downstream of the slotted orifice plate where the two-phase flow becomes most homogeneous is still not known. Knowing this would help in accurate flow metering of the two-phase flow as the sensors (such as the electrical impedance sensor) can be placed at the most homogenized location. Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) is a non-invasive measurement technique that determines the conductivity distribution of the flow inside a pipe. The conductivity data can be used to determine concentration data by using the Maxwell’s equation. By analyzing the concentration distribution of the components in a two-phase flow at various locations, the optimum location downstream of the slotted orifice plate where the two-phase flow becomes most homogeneous for different flow conditions can be determined.