Vapor volume fraction, flow regime, and vapor velocity inference using fluid conductivity measurements

An array of conductivity sensors is presented that infers the vapor volume fraction, flow regime, and vapor velocity in a two-phase flow. The frequency response of the sensors is up to 40 Hz, which allows for dynamic signal processing to ascertain flow characteristics additional to the time average vapor volume fractiion, such as the vapor velocity and flow regime. The sensor array, associated driving circuitry, and signal processing techniques are presented, and the performance of the array is evaluated for an air-water flow at one atmosphere and a steam water flow at 0.095 MPa.