Methodology of local instantaneous interfacial velocity measurement in multi-dimensional two-phase flow

Shen, X.*; Mishima, Kaichiro*; Nakamura, Hideo  

Since the transport of momentum, heat and mass tightly links with local interfacial characteristics it is essential to know the local interfacial parameters in various two-phase flows. The interfacial velocity plays a determinant role in determining the other interfacial parameters such as the interfacial area concentration and so on. It is accordingly one of the most important parameters in analyzing two-phase flow. However, it also is one of the most difficult parameters to measure up to now. Based on the application of the interfacial measurement theorem to several four-sensor probes, the present study established a theoretical foundation of the measurement method for the local instantaneous interfacial velocity in multi-dimensional two-phase flow by using three independent four-sensor probes. Since we can find three independent four-sensor probes in a multi-sensor probe, which has more than four sensors, by sharing the sensors of the first four-sensor probe with the sensors of the others, a five- or six-sensor probe including at least one set of three four-sensor combinations was recommended to measure the local instantaneous interfacial velocity, interfacial area concentration and so on in multi-dimensional two-phase flow. A six-sensor probe was developed and employed in the practical measurement in an air-water multi-dimensional two-phase flow in a pool. The six-sensor probe measurements were checked against the gas flow rate measurement using a rotameter and a manometer. The comparing results were very satisfactory.