An apparatus 10,70 and method is provided that includes a spatial array
of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations
x1-xN disposed axially along a pipe 14 for measuring
at least one parameter of a saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12, such as steam,
flowing in the pipe 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic
pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit
30 which determines the speed of sound amix propagating through
of the saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12 in the pipe 14 using acoustic
spatial array signal processing techniques. The primary parameters to be measured
include vapor/liquid concentration (i.e., steam wetness or steam quality), vapor/liquid
mixture volumetric flow, mass flow, enthalpy, density and liquid droplet size.
Frequency based sound speed is determined utilizing a dispersion model to determine
the parameters of interest.