Method for determining dynamic flow characteristics of multiphase flows

Abstract

A method for determining at least one dynamic flow characteristic of a multiphase flow circulating in a pipe, the flow being composed of a lighter dispersed-phase and a heavier continuous-phase. A tracer is discharged (or activated) into the flow at a chosen first location in the pipe by mixing (or activating) a portion of the tracer with the continuous-phase therein. The tracer concentration at a chosen second location in the pipe is measured with a detector as a function of time t, so as to obtain a signal S(t). Then a relationship is fitted to the signal S(t) so as to derive the values of the velocity U of the continuous phase and/or of a dispersion coefficient k. The slip velocity v.sub.s of the dispersed phase relative to the velocity of the continuous phase is also advantageously determined. From the values of velocities U and v.sub.s and from the volume fraction y.sub.1 of the continuous phase in the pipe (obtained by an ancillary measurement), the volumetric flow rates of the continuous and dispersed phases are determined.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.