New developments in fast needle probe sensors for multiphase flow measurements

Measurement with local needle probes is a well-established method for the investigation of multiphase flows. Different measuring techniques have been employed for the needle probes in the past. The most known techniques are based on: conductivity, capacitance, optical and/or temperature measurements [1-3]. Based on the detection of single phases, these probes can provide information about void fraction, bubble size, frequency, and velocity, among others. The existing needle probe systems have limitations regarding the range of substances they are able to measure, the environmental conditions they can be applied to as well as their time resolution. In this paper we describe two new developed needle probe sensors, which will enhance their application field. On one hand we present the further development of ultra-fast thermo needle probes for the phase-resolved temperature measurement aiming the investigation of interfacial areas in the multiphase flow. On the other hand we introduce a new complex admittance needle probe, which is able to measure either conducting or non-conducting fluids, thus enabling the investigation of multiphase flow problems (e.g. three-phase flow of oil, water and gas in the oil extraction).