A new bubbly flow detection and quantification procedure based on optical laser-beam scattering behavior

Abstract

In this paper a new bubbly flow measurement procedure is proposed which can be used to both detect and quantify some main features of such flows. The proposed procedure is based on the optical scattering behavior of a laser-beam passing through a bubbly flow. A series of experiments are conducted to evaluate the procedure and important parameters involved such as length of bubbly flow, bubble number density and size distribution. Experimental results confirm the capabilities of the procedure for the detection and quantification of bubbly flows. Also, an optical model of the laser beam behavior in bubbly flow is derived to reevaluate the problem and its results are compared with the obtained experimental results. Outcomes of the optical model, which is in good agreement with the experimental results, emphasizes and describes the strong correlation between the injection strength parameter and forward scattered light intensity. Also, bubble size distribution is found to be in close connection with the amplitude of scattered light fluctuations. Therefore, upon the measurement of optical laser-beam scattering behavior passing through a bubbly flow, various properties of such flows could be determined.