Simulation-Based Study on Multiphase Flow: Investigating Phase Content Ratios and Measurement Techniques

Oil-water-gas three-phase flows are commonly encountered in various industries such as chemical, nuclear, and petroleum. Compared to two-phase flows, the complex flow structures of oil-water-gas flows pose a significant challenge for flow parameter measurements. In this study, we focused on phase fraction measurement in multiphase flows. Our approach involved establishing a coupled model of oil-gas-water three-phase flow using COMSOL Multiphysics software. This model enabled us to establish the relationship between flow characteristics and the electrical properties of the sensor. By considering the properties of the mixture and its MWS (Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars) effect, we selected appropriate excitation frequencies and equations for the equivalent dielectric constant. We then investigated the phase fraction measurement method based on the MWS effect in multiphase flows. To validate our approach, we conducted simulation tests on the coupled model under different phase fractions and excitation frequencies. The results provide valuable theoretical guidance and technical support for electrical-based phase fraction measurement and the measurement of other parameters in multiphase flows.