Model of bubble velocity vector measurement in upward and downward bubbly two-phase flows using a four-sensor optical probe

• A model for the measurement of bubble velocity vector was proposed.
• Experiments were preformed using a four-sensor optical probe.
• Radial profiles of the bubble velocity vector and void fraction were presented.
• Profiles of velocity and void fraction are different in upward/downward flows.

The knowledge of bubble behaviors is of considerable significance for a proper understanding and modeling of two-phase flows. To obtain the information on the bubble motion, a novel model was developed, by which the bubble velocity vector can be directly calculated from six time intervals measured with a four-sensor probe. The measurements of local bubble velocity vector and void fraction were performed in both upward and downward bubbly flows by using a four-sensor optical probe. The area-averaged void fraction and bubble velocity obtained from the probe agree well with those measured by other cross-calibration methods, and the measurement errors are within 15% under various flow conditions. Experimental results of the bubble velocity vector reveal that the bubble lateral migration may be suppressed in upward flows, but be strengthened in downward flows as the liquid flow rate increases. Also, with an increase in gas flow rate, the bubble velocity distribution varies into the power–law profile in upward flows, but into an off-center peak profile in downward flows. In addition, the void fraction shows a core peak distribution at low void fraction for downward flows, but a wall peak distribution for upward flows. However, when the void fraction is relatively high, it displays an off-center peak distribution for downward flows but a core peak distribution for upward flows.