Multielectrode capacitance sensors for the visualization of transient two-phase flows

The use of capacitance tomography for the imaging of transient flows in trickle-bed reactors is described. Preliminary results obtained with a 12-electrode system are displayed. The results show the possibilities available with capacitance tomography and allow a more detailed examination of the fluid dynamic effects resulting in the pulsing of the cocurrent flow of gas and liquid through packed columns. To improve the axial and spatial resolution as well as the signal-to-noise ratio of the 12-electrode sensor, a new 16-electrode sensor was developed. The improvements include the total number of electrode segments, the operation of the electrode segments, the axial shielding of the sensor, and the potential of the free electrodes.

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