An apparatus 10,70 and method is provided that includes a spatial array of
unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations
x.sub.1-x.sub.N 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 P.sub.1(t)-P.sub.N(t) to a signal processing unit 30
which determines the speed of sound a.sub.mix 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.