Ultrasonic Imaging and Velocimetry in Two-Phase Pipe Flow

This paper presents the first results of an experimental and theoretical investigation of the feasibility of using ultrasonic measurements in multiphase pipe flow. Extant downhole flow rate measurement technology used in the petroleum industry is not adequate in some multiphase flow regimes, particularly when the well is deviated from vertical. Ultrasonics offers Doppler velocity and imaging capabilities, both of which could be of great value in production logging. Some air-water measurements, both imaging and velocimetry, are presented, along with a discussion of pulsed Doppler theory.