Uncertainties in measurements of bubbly flows using phase-detection probes
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Published version
Author(s)
Bürgler, Matthias
Valero, Daniel
Hohermuth, Benjamin
Boes, Robert M
Vetsch, David F
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The analysis of bubbly two-phase flows is challenging due to their turbulent nature and the need for intrusive
phase-detection probes. However, accurately characterizing these flows is crucial for safely designing critical
infrastructure such as dams and their appurtenant structures. The combination of dual-tip intrusive phase detection probes with advanced signal processing algorithms enables the assessment of pseudo-instantaneous
1-D velocity time series; for which the limitations are not fully fathomed. In this investigation, we theoretically
define four major sources of error, which we quantify using synthetically generated turbulent time series,
coupled with the simulated response of a phase-detection probe. Based on the analysis of 1010 simulated
bubble trajectories, our findings show that typical high-velocity flows in hydraulic structures hold up to 15%
error in the mean velocity estimations and up to 35% error in the turbulence intensity estimations for the
most critical conditions, typically occurring in the proximity of the wall. Based on thousands of simulations,
our study provides a novel data-driven tool for the estimation of these baseline errors (bias and uncertainties)
in real-word phase-detection probe measurements of bubbly flows (air concentrations 𝑐 < 40%).
phase-detection probes. However, accurately characterizing these flows is crucial for safely designing critical
infrastructure such as dams and their appurtenant structures. The combination of dual-tip intrusive phase detection probes with advanced signal processing algorithms enables the assessment of pseudo-instantaneous
1-D velocity time series; for which the limitations are not fully fathomed. In this investigation, we theoretically
define four major sources of error, which we quantify using synthetically generated turbulent time series,
coupled with the simulated response of a phase-detection probe. Based on the analysis of 1010 simulated
bubble trajectories, our findings show that typical high-velocity flows in hydraulic structures hold up to 15%
error in the mean velocity estimations and up to 35% error in the turbulence intensity estimations for the
most critical conditions, typically occurring in the proximity of the wall. Based on thousands of simulations,
our study provides a novel data-driven tool for the estimation of these baseline errors (bias and uncertainties)
in real-word phase-detection probe measurements of bubbly flows (air concentrations 𝑐 < 40%).
Date Issued
2024-12
Date Acceptance
2024-08-22
Citation
International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 2024, 181
ISSN
0301-9322
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
International Journal of Multiphase Flow
Volume
181
Copyright Statement
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2024.104978
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
104978
Date Publish Online
2024-08-27