Accuracy aspects in multiphase flow metering using X-ray transmission

The composition of a mixture of several components flowing through a pipe can be determined by means of an X-ray transmission technique/analysis. We present some aspects of the theory relating to an application in which the component volume fractions of an oil, water, and gas mixture are determined. It will be shown that on fundamental grounds, this technique has its limits regarding the number of components that can be distinguished in relation to the achieved accuracy of the measured attenuation.