Wire-Mesh Sensor for Multiphase Flow Phase Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement arrangements for multi-phase or multi-component flows, such as those in chemical process engineering and mineral oil production, are unable to distinguish non-conductive phases or components and cannot visualize phase distribution in pipe cross-sections effectively due to interference from sensor plates.
Innovation Solution
A wire-mesh sensor with two electrode planes and associated measurement electronics that measures complex electrical admittance, allowing for rapid two-dimensional recording and evaluation of phase and component distributions in a flow cross-section, including non-conductive phases, by measuring both conductance and capacitance with high temporal resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional conductivity measurement arrangements are used, then conductive phases can be detected, but non-conductive phases cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from pure conductivity (DC or low-frequency AC) to complex electrical admittance including capacitance measurements at higher frequencies (e.g., 10 kHz to 1 MHz). This parameter change enables detection of non-conductive phases through their dielectric properties while maintaining ability to detect conductive phases through their conductance, thus resolving the contradiction between detecting conductive and non-conductive phases
Solution Approach 2:
The wire-mesh sensor arrangement performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously: it measures both conductance (real part of admittance) and capacitance (imaginary part of admittance) to provide universal detection capability for both conductive and non-conductive phases, as well as for characterizing phase distribution, void fraction, and flow patterns in diverse multiphase flow conditions
2Measurement precision
If sensor plates are used to measure phase distribution, then surface phase distribution can be recorded, but flow penetration is strongly influenced and internal distribution cannot be visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin wire electrodes arranged in mesh patterns rather than thick sensor plates. These thin wire structures minimize flow disturbance and penetration resistance while still providing sufficient measurement capability through their distributed sensing points across the pipe cross-section
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor divides the measurement space into multiple discrete crossing points formed by intersecting wire electrodes. Each crossing point independently measures local complex admittance, and the collective data from all crossing points reconstructs the internal phase distribution without requiring physical contact or blocking the flow path
3Productivity
If rapid two-dimensional measurement is implemented, then temporal resolution is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic alternating voltage signals at specific frequencies (e.g., 10 kHz to 1 MHz) to excite the medium and elicit periodic current responses. By measuring the amplitude and phase of these periodic responses, the system rapidly determines complex admittance at each crossing point, achieving fast temporal resolution through frequency-domain measurement techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the frequency dimension to the measurement by using complex admittance (conductance and capacitance) instead of simple conductivity. This dimensional expansion in the electrical property space provides richer information about different phases and their distributions, enabling rapid differentiation of phases based on their distinct dielectric and conductive characteristics
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and rapid determination of phase and component distributions in flow cross-sections, including those with non-conductive phases, providing a detailed two-dimensional image and allowing for the differentiation of substances without the need for calibration, thus overcoming the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the complex-valued electrical admittance of the medium between the transmitting electrodes (3a) and the receiving electrodes (3b) is measured at each individual crossing point (4) of the electrode grid
Implementation Method 2
the complex-valued electrical admittance ( Yx ) of the medium at the individual crossing point (4), in particular its conductance (Gx) and its capacitance (Cx)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed is an arrangement for quickly measuring the phase distribution or the component distribution in a flow cross section for substance mixtures also of a non-conducting type by measuring the complex electrical admittance. Said arrangement essentially features the following: at least one sine wave generator (5) which is mounted upstream from the transmitter electrodes (3a) of the excitation level and applies an alternating voltage to the transmitter electrodes (3a); current-to-voltage converters (7) which are mounted downstream from the receiver electrodes (3b), amplify the alternating current that flows from at least one excitation electrode (3a) through the medium to the receiver electrodes (3b), and convert said alternating current into a voltage signal; filter groups (10, 11, 16) and vector voltmeters (8) which are mounted downstream from the current-to-voltage converters (7) and allow the complex signal ratio Ua/Ue to be metrologically detected.