Signal processing for slug flow analysis: MATLAB algorithm

Abstract

This paper presents an easy-to-use MATLAB© program to characterize slug flow, one of the most observed gas-liquid flow patterns in pipes. “BSignalProcessing2020.m” based on the study reported in [1] is a flexible, expandable, and adaptable statistical algorithm used to calculate the film and slug cut threshold values, the disregard cut value to group slug pulses, and the disregard cut value to remove slug pulses, which are required to determine the slug characteristics. The code is provided for unlimited and unrestricted use.• The statistical algorithm does not depend on any subjective criteria.• The methodology is illustrated using voltage time-series, but it is applicable without changes to instantaneous liquid holdup time-series.

Keywords

• Signal processing for slug flow analysis via a voltage or instantaneous liquid holdup time-series.