MRI strategies for characterising two-phase flow in parallel channel ceramic monoliths

Magnetic resonance (MR) techniques are now being used widely in chemical engineering research. In recognition of Mike Winterbottomʹs contribution to the field of ceramic monolith reactors, recent developments in the application of MR techniques to the study of two-phase flow in parallel channel ceramic monoliths are reported. Two new approaches are described, both of which can be applied to single- and two-phase flow. In particular, we report the development of a displacement tracking technique which allows temporal variations in velocity, occurring on timescales of ∼10 ms, to be monitored over periods of up to 1 s. The upper limit on liquid velocity that can be measured using this approach is ∼5–10 m s−1. The techniques are introduced and illustrated with reference to co-current gas–liquid up-flow operation in a monolith rated at 200 channels per square inch.