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U.S. Department of Energy
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Method and apparatus for probing relative volume fractions

Patent ·
OSTI ID:871421

A relative volume fraction probe particularly for use in a multiphase fluid system includes two parallel conductive paths defining therebetween a sample zone within the system. A generating unit generates time varying electrical signals which are inserted into one of the two parallel conductive paths. A time domain reflectometer receives the time varying electrical signals returned by the second of the two parallel conductive paths and, responsive thereto, outputs a curve of impedance versus distance. An analysis unit then calculates the area under the curve, subtracts the calculated area from an area produced when the sample zone consists entirely of material of a first fluid phase, and divides this calculated difference by the difference between an area produced when the sample zone consists entirely of material of the first fluid phase and an area produced when the sample zone consists entirely of material of a second fluid phase. The result is the volume fraction.

Research Organization:
WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP
DOE Contract Number:
AC11-89PN38014
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 5729123
OSTI ID:
871421
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English