Multiphase Flow Regime Identification by Multibeam Gamma-Ray Densitometry

Tjugum1 and G.A. Johansen2

University of Bergen, Allegaten 55, N-5007 Bergen, Norway

1Stein-Arild.Tjugum@fi.uib.no 2Geir.Johansen@fi.uib.no

ABSTRACT

It is demonstrated how multibeam gamma-ray densitometry can be applied to identify flow regimes in gas/liquid pipe-flows. Flow regime information can be used for obtaining more accurate gas volume fraction measurements, and it can be used by other types of measurements performed on the flow. The study involves both theoretical calculations and experimental measurements, and shows that the flow regime can be identified by the use of a fan beam geometry with one source and several collimated detectors. The measurement principle can be implemented in a compact design with source and detectors embedded in the pipe-wall. This opens for the possibility of using a low energy source.

Keywords pipe flow measurement, multibeam densitometry, flow regime identification, gas fraction measurement.