Ultrasound attenuation characteristics in oil-water two-phase flow

Accurate measurement of multiphase flow parameter has significance on the optimization of production process and equipment. Ultrasonic measurement technology has potential applications in two-phase flow measurement. In order to understand the ultrasonic testing mechanism, the ultrasound attenuation characteristics in the oil-water two-phase flow are numerically investigated. Two-dimension models of ultrasonic sensor are set up based on the finite element analysis method. Through calculation of ultrasound pressure distribution in oil-water two-phase flow, the effects of different oil fractions on ultrasound attenuation in oil droplet structure and stratified structure are simulated. Simulation results show that phase distribution and fraction have direct influence on the ultrasound attenuation.