In situ performance and potential applications of a thermal bed-load measurement method

Abstract

Methods to detect the flow condition at the pipeline invert are reviewed. New results of a small heated plate inserted into a non-metallic pipe are presented. This thermal method is based on mini-heaters and can detect erratic flow behaviour near the transition to the stationary bed. The probe’s output correlates well with flow observations and provides a robust threshold to be linked to alarms. Once the mechanical design, installed power levels and their control have been optimised to balance response times and sensitivities with wear allowances and pipeline pressure ratings, the thermal slurry flow sensor can improve overall process control.