Development and experimental evaluation of an analytical model of the electronic signal processor for the impedance probe used in the Advance Instrumentation for Reflood Studies (AIRS) program

This investigation involves the development and analysis of a model of an electronic signal processor used in the Advance Instrumentation for Reflood Studies Program. The electronic circuit is based on a concept of Dr. M. J. Roberts at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The purpose of the signal processor is to measure the impedance and changes in impedance of a two-phase flow inside a reactor during a reflood process. This measurement provides information about the velocity and void fraction of the flow. However, an exact analysis of the system, based on feedback theory, can be difficult, since the transfer function that expresses the system response is dependent on an impedance measurement taken in the feedback path of the signal processor.

This thesis presents a model which approximates very closely the actual electronic system. The model is based on a voltage-to-voltage transfer function approximation which is analysed using standard feedback system analysis.

Experimental results confirm the validity of the model developed and are also presented in this thesis.