MULTI-PHASE FLUID FLOW MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

The invention is an apparatus and a method for characterizing the flow of a multi-phase fluid. The fluid is first mixed continuously as it flows from a first to a second end of a first section, such that the fluid is substantially homogeneous at a first point and such that the substantial homogeneity of the fluid is maintained between the first point and a second point in the first section, and a first pressure drop is measured at a first location in the first section between the first and second points. The fluid is second mixed continuously as it flows from a first to a second end of a second section, such that the fluid is substantially homogeneous at a first point and such that the substantial homogeneity of the fluid is maintained between the first point and a second point in the second section, and a second pressure drop is measured at a second location in the second section between the first and second points. Using the first and second pressure drops, a value is determined for a first characteristic and a second characteristic of the fluid. Optionally, the fluid may also be third mixed continuously as it flows from a first to a second end of a third section, such that the fluid is substantially homogeneous at a first point and such that the substantial homogeneity of the fluid is maintained between the first point and a second point in the third section, and a third pressure drop may then be measured at a third location in the third section between the first and second points. A value for a third characteristic of the fluid may then be determined by using the third pressure drop.