Numerical evaluation and correction method for multi-sensor probe measurement techniques in two-phase bubbly flow

Accurate measurement of local time-averaged two-phase flow parameters (void fraction, bubble velocity and interfacial area concentration) is important for the evaluation of two-phase flow models as well as for the development of closure relations used in the two-fluid model. In this study, a numerical simulation of the measurement of these parameters using a multi-sensor probe is performed for bubbly flow. The bubble velocity measurement being over-estimated, a probe design criterion is given to reduce the measurement error. The interfacial area concentration measurement is found under-estimated because of the inaccurate missing bubbles recovering method. Based on the simulations, a new correction method independent of the probe geometry and the bubbly flow conditions is suggested.