Design and performance prediction of an impedance void meter applied to the petroleum industry
A novel methodology based on numerical simulation is developed for designing a gas?liquid void fraction meter operating on the principle of electrical impedance. The numerical simulations employ software based on the finite volume method. The analysis allowed heuristic optimization of the electrodes? geometry and also the establishment of the calibration curve according to the electrical properties of the fluids in question. Using dimensional analysis it is possible to reduce the electrical impedance estimates into simple algebraic expressions relating the void fraction to the dimensionless voltage output. Dynamic tests are performed using air and water in order to validate the computational study and verify the performance of the sensor operating at different flow patterns.