Means and method for measuring a multi-phase distribution within a flowing petroleum stream

摘要

The petroleum stream to be measured flows through a cell of electrically non-conductive material having first, second, third and fourth capacitive sensors (16,35,20,26) mounted thereon. The first and second sensors (16,35) are spaced a predetermined distance apart along the stream and sense a similar capacitance to one another, the third sensor senses a different capacitance, and the fourth sensor senses a further different capacitance. The four sensed capacitances are processed to derive an indication of the presence and/or relative spatial distribution of different fluids such as gas, oil and liquid slugs, within the flowing petroleum stream.