Multi Phase Flow Decomposition and Imaging Using Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography Sensors

In this proposed effort, we will develop a prototype product of a higher resolution ECVT system based on multi-phase decomposition for a two phase flow with water as the liquid phase, namely a phase separator. The intrinsic high measuring speed of capacitance measuring technology and potential high resolution capability of multi-phase decomposition will enable phase imaging at resolution better than the 2~3 mm specified by the topic description. Simulation and measurement results were used to verify this approach in Phase I. By the end of this Phase II, a prototype system that can image Air and Water phases in a phase separator with high accuracy, angular and vertical velocities of water layer, and water mass flow will be demonstrated. The developed prototype will serve as a deliverable to NASA by the end of this Phase II. It will be composed DAS unit, modular ECVT sensors, and reconstruction software. The proposed deliverable will be a working unit in form, fit, and function for phase separator experiments. It will also be suitable for utilization in the International Space Station after flight hardening. Flight hardening is not part of this effort.