An in-line microwave steam quality sensor.

Saturated steam is a widely used industrial medium for the efficient transfer of energy. The proportion of saturated vapor steam to saturated condensate of the steam mixture is referred to as the steam quality. Accurate and reliable measurements of steam quality provides critical information for process control that effects the efficiency of energy transfer as well as protecting machine parts that come in contact with the steam mixture flow. Though many methods currently exist for measuring steam quality all have significant drawbacks in their use because of the measurement mode used. This thesis describes a microwave sensor that uses the permittivity of the steam mixture to enable an accurate and inline measurement of the quality of steam. A documented history of the theory, design, development, and testing is describe herein, with ending commentary on project potential.M.S.E.C.E