Abstract: In the field of multi-phase flows there is a need for a device and a method, for generating data relating to particles in a particulate material suspended in a fluid medium flowing within a pipe in a given direction, which provides more accurate data about the particles than conventional direct imaging techniques. A device (30; 50), for generating data relating to particles in a particulate material suspended in a fluid medium flowing within a pipe (34; 54) in a given flow direction (FD), comprises a light source (32) arranged to illuminate a portion of the flow, and an image acquisition unit (40) for capturing an image of the particles as they pass through the illuminated portion of the flow. The image acquisition unit (40) has a predetermined focal plane (41), and is arranged so that the focal plane (41) is inclined relative to the flow direction (FD) of the particles. The device (30; 50) also includes a processing unit which is in communication with the image acquisition unit (40).

Abstract: In the field of flow distributors there is a need for a flow distributor which produces a uniform distribution of particulate material within a carrier fluid without causing a substantial pressure drop in the carrier fluid. A flow distributor (10), for insertion in a pipeline conveying a particulate material carried by a carrier fluid, comprises a pipe (12) including at least one deflector section (14) which has an inlet end (16) and an outlet end (18). The deflector section (14) is shaped so as to define a first continuous hollow conduit (24) which has a substantially constant cross-sectional area along the length thereof. The first hollow conduit (24) has an active inner surface (20) angled relative to the pipeline so as to urge particles of the particulate material towards a central region of the flow distributor (10). The active inner surface (20) has a constant gradient in a longitudinal direction of the flow distributor (10).

Abstract: A flow homogeniser for insertion in a pipeline conveying a particulate material carried by a carrier fluid comprising a pipe having an inlet end and an outlet end and including a core defined by one or more core pipe sections connected in series between the inlet end and the outlet end, the or each core pipe section defining a relatively gradual or rapid change in cross-sectional area in order to mix particulate material and carrier fluid entering the inlet end to form a homogeneous mixture on exit from the outlet end.

Abstract: An optical endoscopic fluid flow measurement probe assembly is disclosed having a user end and a distal end. The distal end having a light sheet generator and at least one reflected light acquirer, and the endoscope is provided with transmission means to transmit information away from the distal end. The light sheet generator is adapted in use to generate a sheet of light and the light acquirer being adapted to image light reflected from the light sheet, the light sheet generator and light acquirer being provided in the same endoscope.

Abstract: An optical endoscopic fluid flow measurement probe assembly is disclosed having a user end and a distal end. The distal end having a light sheet generator and at least one reflected light acquirer, and the endoscope is provided with transmission means to transmit information away from the distal end. The light sheet generator is adapted in use to generate a sheet of light and the light acquirer being adapted to image light reflected from the light sheet, the light sheet generator and light acquirer being provided in the same endoscope.