Mass Flow Monitoring by Distributed Fiber Optical Temperature Sensing

Sensors

Marius Enachescu¹  Alin Jderu²  Dominik Ziegler² 

[1] Center for Surface Science and Nanotechnology (CSSNT), University POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei no. 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;S.C. NanoPRO START MC S.R.L., Street Oltenitei, no. 388, District 4, 041337 Bucharest, Romania;

关键词: fiber optic sensors;    flow diagnostics;    temperature;   

DOI  :  10.3390/s19194151

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

We developed a novel method to monitor mass flow based on distributed fiber optical temperature sensing. Examination of the temporal and spatial temperature distribution along the entire length of a locally heated fluidic conduit reveals heat flow under forced convection. Our experimental results are in good agreement with two-dimensional finite element analysis that couples fluid dynamic and heat transfer equations. Through analysis of the temperature distribution bidirectional flow rates can be measured over three orders of magnitude. The technique is not flow intrusive, works in harsh conditions, including high-temperatures, high pressures, corrosive media, and strong electromagnetic environments. We demonstrate a first experimental implementation on a short fluidic system with a length of one meter. This range covers many applications such as low volume drug delivery, diagnostics, as well as process and automation technology. Yet, the technique can, without restrictions, be applied to long range installations. Existing fiber optics infrastructures, for instance on oil pipelines or down hole installations, would only require the addition of a heat source to enable reliable flow monitoring capability.

【 授权许可】

Unknown