Use of ultrasound for phase holdup measurements in multiphase systems

This study evaluates ultrasound as a non‐invasive technique for determining the cross‐sectional holdups of multiphase systems. Experiments are performed in a column of 292 mm inner diameter with air, water and uniform glass beads of 1.3 mm diameter as the particles. In a bubble column, the signal intensity decayed exponentially with increasing gas holdup. In a liquid–solid fluidized bed, the wave time‐of‐flight decreased linearly when the solids holdup increased from 25% to 60% (fixed bed), while the signal intensity increased. Signal attenuation limits the use of this method for three‐phase fluidized beds. When large particles (mm range) are used, it is difficult to operate at a wavelength that permits transmission through both dispersed phases. For three‐phase systems, slurry bubble columns with low dispersed phases holdups and smaller particles present a less attenuative media and are better suited to this technique.