Finite element simulation and optimization design of capacitance sensor with loop test plate

Flow pattern is complicated and changeable under the background of dense-phase pneumatic conveying in a horizontal pipe, which has great influence on other flow parameters. If a sensor can detect other parameters of slug combined with the characteristics of the flow pattern, the result will be more accurate. In this paper, in order to solve this problem, a new type of capacitance sensor is put forward, which combines the flow pattern recognition with the concentration detection of slug. The sensor has a high spatial resolution than other sensors. Focusing on the poor sensing field sensitivity uniformity and low measuring sensitivity, an approach combining finite element analysis with orthogonal experiment is proposed to optimally design the sensor. The results of simulation and experiments show that the optimized sensor has a more homogeneous circumferential sensitivity field, and it can detect the slug flow accurately. The sensor is more suitable to test slug than ECT sensor. Therefore, the sensor has a good application prospect in the field of two-phase flow testing.