Methodology and apparatus for distinguishing single phase fluid flows from multiphase fluid flows using a flow meter

A method of sensing a fluid flow passing within a pipe, comprising:

• using a flow meter having an array of sensors and at least one processing unit in communication with one another, wherein the at least one processing unit is in communication with a memory device having stored instructions, the stored instructions when executed cause the processing unit to:
• communicate with the array of sensors, including receiving sensor signals from the array of sensors, the sensor signals being indicative of a presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow passing within the pipe;
• and
• determine a shape factor parameter value for the fluid flow passing within the pipe, the determination of the shape factor parameter including transforming the sensor signals into a complex plane representation that includes an arrival vector having an amplitude and a phase, wherein the shape factor parameter is a function of the amplitude and phase of the arrival vector, the shape factor parameter value within a range between a first range value and a second range value;
• wherein the first range value is associated with a first gas-liquid ratio value, and the second range value is associated with a second gas-liquid ratio value, and the second gas-liquid ratio value is less than the first gas-liquid ratio value.

An apparatus for sensing a fluid flow passing within a pipe, comprising:

• a flow meter having an array of sensors and at least one processing unit in communication with one another, wherein the at least one processing unit is in communication with a memory device having stored instructions, the stored instructions when executed cause the processing unit to:
• communicate with the array of sensors, including receiving sensor signals from the array of sensors, the sensor signals being indicative of a presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow passing within the pipe;
• and displaying a graphic shape factor parameter representative of the fluid flow passing within the pipe, the displayed graphic shape factor parameter produced by transforming the sensor signals into a complex plane representation that includes an arrival vector having an amplitude and a phase, wherein the graphic shape factor parameter is a function of the amplitude and phase of the arrival vector, the graphic shape factor parameter displayed within a range between a first graphic shape factor parameter and a second graphic shape factor parameter;
• wherein the first graphic shape factor parameter is associated with a first gas-liquid ratio value, and the second graphic shape factor parameter is associated with a second gas-liquid ratio value, and the second gas-liquid ratio value is less than the first gas-liquid ratio value.