Model-based image reconstruction algorithm for measurement of multiphase distributions

This paper presents a model-based image reconstruction algorithm for the measurement of multiphase distributions, in particular the thickness of liquid layer of annular distribution and the water-to-liquid ratio (WLR) of oil-continuous flows. A software package based on a finite element method (FEM) has been developed. The parameters of the simulated distribution are updated to minimize the discrepancies between the calculated and measured capacitances. To verify the algorithm, an impedance analyzer (HP4192) was used to measure capacitances from an 8-electrode ECT sensor with different thickness of the solids or liquid layer and different WLR. This algorithm has been applied for the measurement of gas-oil-water oil-continuous flows with WLR ≤ 30%.