Flowrate measurements of conducting fluids in pipes using the magnetic distortion probe

International audienceA contactless and local velocimetry technique based on the interpretation of the induced magnetic field in the presence of a strongly localised applied magnetic field in the vicinity of flowing electrically conducting fluids, refereed to as the magnetic distortion probe, has been introduced in Miralles et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum., 82 095112 (2011). In this article, we present a numerical model, shown to accurately predict the magnetic distortion probe response measured in a dedicated experimental pipe flow benchmark. This numerical model allows to precisely estimate the calibration of the magnetic distortion probe. This model is also used to investigate the spatial extent of the flow probed by the magnetic distortion probe. The optimal arrangement required to probe global flowrates in pipes is finally discussed based on the numerical model