Multiphase Flow

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Multiphase flows are complex and unpredictable however they have a significant bearing on the safety, costs and revenues of many processes – particularly in oil and gas, but also in aerospace, chemicals and other sectors.

Process tomography is a powerful tool in visualising multi-phase flows and ITS has more than 20 years experience of applying its technology to see inside process pipelines, enabling engineers to better understand complex flow regimes.

These include visualisation of slug / stratified / annular and other flow regimes in all pipe orientations – vertical, horizontal and inclined.

Capacitance sensor arrays can be used for non-conducting (air / oil-continuous) flows; whilst resistance sensors provide information on aqueous based systems. Combining the two modalities allows measurements to be taken across a wide range of flow regimes.

ITS has developed simple sensors for use in laboratories and flow loops. Pipe diameters from 7.5mm up to 1.2m have been installed at customer facilities. In addition,  high pressure / high temperature sensors have been deployed to provide real time information on complex flow regimes under production conditions.

Recent developments in resistance tomography instrumentation has also led to new instrumentation which can take data with highly conductive process water.

In addition to measuring flow regimes, tomography sensors can also provide information on the pipe conditions, for example measuring the build up of wax deposits.

Case Study

Polimeri Eni S.P.A. – Multi-phase Flow

A combination of ITS ERT and ECT sensors were used for the on-line monitoring of multi-phase flow by providing detailed information such as multi-phase flow pattern, flow regime, composition and velocity.

Our Products

FLOW-ITOMETER

The FLOW-ITOMETER is a packaged solution for groups engaged in multiphase flow that provides a platform for research and teaching...

Research & Education Package

A standard package for teaching and general laboratory work and tailored solutions for more complex experimental conditions...

EIT with the ITS v5r

v5r (Electrical Resistance Tomog...

The v5r is the newest instrument from ITS which combines a wide operating envelope and high speed operation....

ITS p2+ for electrical resistance tomography

P2+ (Electrical Resistance Tomog...

The p2+ is the primary electrical resistance tomography instrument used throughout the world for more than 12 years...

Electrical Capacitance Tomography with the m3c from ITS

M3c (Electrical Capacitance Tomo...

The m3c instrument is the primary capacitance tomography instrument used in multiphase flow and other applications around the world...

Multiphase Pipe Sensors from ITS

Multiphase Pipe Sensors

Dual modality sensor for characterising multiphase flows of oil, water and gas...

Aimflow from ITS

Aimflow

Aimflow uses cross-correlation between two tomography sensors to generate a multi-phase velocity map...

Advanced Algorithms from ITS

Advanced Algorithms

Off-line advanced algorithms can provide more accurate tomograms using iterative reconstruction methods...

Tomography Data Analysis Software

Toolsuite

The Tomography Toolsuite is the standard interface for ITS instrumentation allowing users to review ECT and ERT data sets...