Multiphase flow characterization using optical fiber Bragg gratings

Abstract

Optical fiber Bragg grating strain sensors are used to characterize the multiphase flow of water and air in a laboratory test bed. The load applied by the fluid flow on the fiber gratings is the underlying mechanism of the sensor and different flow conditions with distinct void fractions and flow rates were investigated. The optical fiber sensors performance was compared against that of a wire-mesh system which is conventionally used as a reference high performance measurement tool for multiphase flow. Results are in good agreement showing the potential of the technique.