A vibration probe sensor for mass flow rate measurement of gas-solid two-phase flow

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a new vibration probe sensor for measurement of particle mass flow rate in gas–solid two phase flow. Design/methodology/approach A new vibration probe sensor based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric film is designed. The particle impact model according to Hertz contacting theory is presented. The average amplitude, standard deviation and spectral peak at the natural frequency of the probe (21.2 kHz) of the signals acquired through experiments are chosen as characteristic quantities for further analysis. Findings Through experimental study of relation between three characteristic quantities and the mass flow rate and air flow velocity, a good regularity is found in the average amplitude and the spectral peaks at natural frequency of the probe. According to the particle impact model, the structure of quantitative model is built and parameters of two models are calculated from experimental data. Additionally, tests are made to estimate mass flow rate. The average errors are 5.85 and 4.26 per cent, while the maximum errors are 10.81 and 8.65 per cent. The spectral peak at natural frequency of the probe is more applicable for mass flow rate measurement. Practical implications The sensor designed and the quantitative models established may be used in dilute phase pneumatic conveying lines of coal-fired power plants, cement manufacturing facilities and so on. Originality/value First, the new sensor is designed and the quantitative models are established. Second, the spectral peak at natural frequency of the probe is found that can be used for measurement of mass flow rate.