Optimized capacitance sensor configuration with enhanced sensitivity for annular two-phase flow measurement.

Abstract

A novel geometric configuration for capacitance-based sensors is presented to measure void fractions in annular two-phase flow systems. The new design significantly enhances sensitivity, surpassing previous configurations, achieving a sensitivity of 2.482 pF. This level of sensitivity represents a considerable improvement compared to conventional designs, enabling more accurate void fraction measurements and enhancing the reliability of phase detection, particularly in industrial applications where high precision is essential. The sensor's innovative geometry was meticulously developed to optimize the electric field distribution, thereby improving the accuracy of void fraction measurements. Experimental validation was conducted using a water-air Two-phase flow setup in an upright tube. The experimental data demonstrated a low relative error, confirming the enhanced performance of the new sensor geometry. The novel sensor configuration offers significant advancements in accurately and reliably measuring void fractions in various industrial applications, particularly in electricity generation facilities, oil refineries, and chemical manufacturing sectors. The novelty of this study lies in the proposed twist-align-shaped electrode geometry, combined with systematic blade optimization and a unified simulation-experimental validation framework, providing enhanced sensitivity and robustness for annular two-phase flow measurement. This work lays the foundation for future developments in sensor technology to improve the monitoring and control of two-phase flow systems.