Multiphase flow instrumentation and measurement research in Brazil

In many industrial activities, the so-called multiphase flow is commonly found, which denotes the simultaneous stream of two or more distinct substances. A typical example is oil-gas and/or oil-water mixtures flowing through production pipelines in the petroleum industry. Flow behavior often determines the efficiency and safety of plants and equipment where multiphase flow is present. Therefore, monitoring of such flows and derived parameters is highly desired in many applications. In the past, a number of measurement techniques and instruments have been developed and applied [1]. Multiphase flow instrumentation relies on a number of physical principles, including common instrumentation and measurements that are based on electrical, sonic or radiation methods. This paper shows three different sensors currently being developed in Brazil, which are based on electrical measurements. They range from a simple phase concentration measurement up to multiphase flow imaging. Each instrument offers a tailored solution with potential either for field applications or for detailed multiphase flow investigation in pilot plant studies.