An optical probe for measurements in liquid - liquid two-phase flow

Abstract

This paper describes a new optical probe system developed for measurements in liquid - liquid two-phase flows with particular reference to kerosene - water flow. The paper gives details of the optical interaction between the probe tip and the kerosene drop front and rear as well as the lay-out of the optical probe system. Static and dynamic interface tests were carried out to determine the theoretical interaction between an approaching flat interface and the probe tip. The modified probe performance in a real bubbly flow was also identified from actual kerosene drop measurements. Finally, the signal analysis procedure used is described and a comparative test of the new optical probe with X hot-wire anemometry for `bubbly' kerosene - water flow in a vertical pipe gave similar results.