X-ray-based flow visualization and measurement - Application in multiphase flows

Information concerning continuous or discreet phase now in multiphase systems is desired for various practical and analytical applications. The potential of X-ray-based flow visualization and measurement of multiphase flow is demonstrated here by two non-intrusive methods: (1) Measurement of the three-dimensional (3D) velocity field of the continuous liquid phase in a bubble column by X-ray-based particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) of seeded particles. (2) Liquid flow visualization in a bubble column by injecting an X-ray absorbing liquid into the bubble column. X-rays have the advantage that they are not affected by the various refraction indices of the multiphase system and penetrate the multiphase flow in undistorted straight lines. Hence, in contrast to optical methods, both of these X-ray-based methods are independent of the void fraction and are applicable to opaque liquids.