Interactive Guide: Selecting Flow Elements for Multiphase Fluids
An application to help you understand, compare, and select the right flow meter.
What is Multiphase Flow?
This section provides a brief introduction to the challenges of measuring multiphase fluids. Multiphase flow involves the simultaneous flow of two or more thermodynamic phases (e.g., oil, water, and gas) in a single pipe. Measuring this accurately is difficult because the phases do not mix evenly and can travel at different velocities.
The way the phases are distributed, known as the "flow regime," constantly changes with pipe orientation, flow rates, and fluid properties. This variability is the central challenge in selecting a reliable flow element.
Common Flow Regimes (Vertical Pipe)
Bubbly Flow
Dispersed bubbles of gas in a continuous liquid.
Slug Flow
Large, intermittent "slugs" of liquid and large gas bubbles.
Churn Flow
A chaotic, transitional regime between slug and annular.
Annular Flow
Liquid flows as a thin film on the pipe wall, with gas flowing rapidly in the core.
Common Flow Element Types
This section details common flow meters used for multiphase applications. Click on a type to learn about its operating principle, advantages, and limitations.
Select a flow element type from the left to see its details here.
Key Selection Parameters
Understanding these parameters is crucial for making the right choice. Click each parameter to expand its description.
Gas Volume Fraction (GVF)
The ratio of the volume of gas to the total volume of the fluid mixture, often expressed as a percentage. This is frequently the single most important factor. Some meters work well at low GVF (e.g., <5%) but fail completely at high GVF.
Flow Regime
As seen in the introduction, this describes how the phases are distributed (bubbly, slug, annular, etc.). Slug flow is particularly damaging and difficult for most meters. Non-intrusive meters (like ultrasonic) are less prone to damage.
Pressure, Temperature, and Viscosity
These operational conditions affect fluid properties, which can, in turn, affect meter accuracy. High pressures or temperatures may limit the types of materials and electronics that can be used.
Presence of Solids (Sand)
Solids can cause rapid erosion and damage, especially to intrusive meters (like orifice plates) or meters with moving parts. They can also clog small passages. Non-intrusive, full-bore meters are preferred in sandy conditions.
Comparative Analysis
This section provides a dynamic chart to compare the flow elements across different performance metrics. Use the dropdown menu to change the metric being visualized.
Interactive Selection Guide
This tool provides a simplified recommendation based on your primary operating conditions. Fill out the form based on your application's parameters to get a first-pass suggestion.