System for characterizing pressure, movement, temperature and flow pattern of fluids

• US 5,271,675 A
• Filed: 10/22/1992
• Issued: 12/21/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
• Original Assignee: Gas Research Institute (GTI Energy)
• Inventors: Sluss, James J. Jr., Hassell, John W., Fagan, John E., Lear, Tommy, Tan, Kok S., Mears, R. Brian, Wilkinson, Sonja R., Beason, Ronnie B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GUTIERREZ, DIEGO F
• Application Number:
  US07/965,828
• Time in Patent Office: 425 Days
• Field of Search: 374/110, 374/147, 374/208, 374/141, 374/142, 374/143, 250/227.15, 250/227.16, 250/238, 250/227.20, 250/227.25, 356/44, 356/28.5, 356/72, 356/73, 73/147, 73/861
• US Class Current: 374/110
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/353 influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/35377 Means for amplifying or modifying the measured quantity
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 7/04 using a separate indicating element for each variable
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/661 using light
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 5/001 Full-field flow measurement, e.g. determining flow velocity and direction in a whole region at the same time, flow visualisation

Abstract

A system for characterizing the pressure, temperature, movement and flow patterns of a fluid under high pressure within a test cell. The test cell is lined internally with adjustable rock facings. Pressure is measured within the test cell using a device employing pressure-distortable optical fibers. Fluid velocity, flow direction, and filter-cake buildup are measured with laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow pattern of the fluid is viewed using corresponding arrays of transmitting and receiving optical fibers. Temperature of the fluid is estimated using a combination of thermal sensors. The pressure, velocity, viewing and temperature systems are integral to the rock facings of the test cell.

Claims

1. An apparatus for viewing a fluid flow and estimating a temperature of the fluid disposed between two facings used for testing the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface;

a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second facing disposable opposite and spaceable apart from the first facing wherein a gap is formed therebetween for containing the fluid;

a light source for providing light;

a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting fiber input end disposed near the light source and a transmitting end, the transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing;

a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving fiber output end and a receiving end, the receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding and optically aligned transmitting end;

light conversion means, connected to the receiving fiber output end, for converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;

signal receiving means, connected to the light conversion means, for receiving the electronic signals;

signal processing means, connected to the signal receiving means, for processing the electronic signals;

signal conversion means for converting the signals processed by the signal processing means into an image of the flow of the fluid;

a first temperature sensor embedded in one of the facings in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing;

a second temperature sensor embedded in the same facing as the first temperature sensor in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position;

a third temperature sensor embedded in the same facing as the first and second temperature sensors in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, said second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction with respect to an overall direction of the flow of fluid;

signal detecting/converting means connected to each temperature sensor for detecting temperature signals from the temperature sensors and converting the temperature signals into data; and

temperature outputting means for receiving the data and for outputting an estimated fluid temperature reading calculated from the data.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensors are thermistors.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first facing and the second facing are further comprised of simulated rock.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first facing and the second facing are supportable within a test cell.

5. An apparatus for viewing a fluid flow, measuring a pressure and estimating a temperature of the fluid disposed between two facings used for testing the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface;

a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second facing disposable opposite and spaceable apart from the first facing wherein a gap is formed therebetween for containing the fluid;

a light source for providing light;

a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting fiber input end disposed near the light source and a transmitting end, the transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing;

a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving fiber output end and a receiving end, the receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding and optically aligned transmitting end;

light conversion means, connected to the receiving fiber output end, for converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;

signal receiving means, connected to the light conversion means, for receiving the electronic signals;

signal processing means, connected to the signal receiving means, for processing the electronic signals;

signal conversion means for converting the signals processed by the signal processing means into an image of the flow of the fluid;

a stationary plate having an interior surface and a deforming surface, the stationary plate positioned within an open cavity in one of the facings;

a pressure responsive plate having an exterior surface and a deforming surface, the pressure responsive plate positioned within the cavity wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate is disposed near the deforming surface of the stationary plate;

a pressure sensing fiber optic member having a pressure sensing fiber input end, the input end disposed near the light source, an output end and a sensing portion, the sensing portion disposed within the cavity and between the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate, wherein the sensing portion is reversibly deformed when pressure is exerted upon the sensing portion by the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate;

a light detecting means connected to the output end of the pressure sensing fiber optic means for detecting a light signal from the pressure sensing fiber optic member;

pressure outputting means for outputting a pressure reading determined from the light signal detected by the light detecting means;

a first temperature sensor embedded in one of the facings in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing;

a second temperature sensor embedded in the same facing as the first temperature sensor in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position;

a third temperature sensor embedded in the same facing as the first and second temperature sensors in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, said second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction with respect to an overall direction of the flow of fluid;

signal detecting/converting means connected each temperature sensor for detecting temperature signals from the temperature sensors and converting the temperature signals into data; and

temperature outputting means for receiving the data and for outputting an estimated fluid temperature reading calculated from the data.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the temperature sensors are thermistors.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate further comprise engageable corrugated surfaces.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first facing and the second facing are supportable within a test cell.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the pressure responsive plate does not extend into the flow path of the fluid.

10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first facing and the second facing are further comprised of simulated rock.

11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus further comprises:

at least one reference fiber optic member having a reference fiber input end, the reference fiber input end disposed near the light source, an output end and a reference portion the reference portion disposed within the cavity and located generally near the sensing portion of the pressure sensing fiber optic member disposed within the cavity,

a second light detecting means connected to the output end of the reference fiber optic member for detecting a second light signal from the reference fiber optic member, and

comparing means connected to the first mentioned light detecting means and to the second light detecting means for comparing the first mentioned light signal with the second light signal and connected to the outputting means for outputting a compensated pressure reading.

12. An apparatus for viewing fluid flow, measuring a movement, and estimating a temperature of the fluid disposed between two facings used for testing the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the first facing having an aperture extending therethrough;

a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second facing disposable opposite and spaceable apart from the first facing wherein a gap is formed therebetween for containing the fluid;

a light source for providing light;

a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting fiber input end disposed near the light source and a transmitting end, the transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing;

a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving fiber output end and a receiving end, the receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding and optically aligned transmitting end;

light conversion means, connected to the receiving fiber output end, for converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;

signal receiving means, connected to the light conversion means, for receiving the electronic signals;

signal processing means, connected to the signal receiving means, for processing the electronic signals;

signal conversion means for converting the signals processed by the signal processing means into an image of the flow of the fluid;

a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the gap between the first and second facings to form a measuring volume;

support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid;

photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume;

optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses;

electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid;

a first temperature sensor embedded in one of the facings in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing;

a second temperature sensor embedded in the same facing as the first temperature sensor in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position;

a third temperature sensor embedded in the same facing as the first and second temperature sensors in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, said second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction with respect to an overall direction of the flow of fluid;

signal detecting/converting means connected to each temperature sensor for detecting temperature signals from the temperature sensors and converting the temperature signals into data; and

temperature outputting means for receiving the data and for outputting an estimated fluid temperature reading calculated from the data.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the temperature sensors are thermistors.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the laser beam means further comprises a semiconductor diode laser beam means.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the support means further comprises adjustable support means for adjustably supporting the laser beam means.

16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first facing and the second facing are further comprised of simulated rock.

17. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a window disposed within the aperture.

18. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first facing and the second facing are supportable within a test cell.

19. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the output indicative of the movement of the fluid further comprises the bulk velocity of the fluid.

20. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the output indicative of the movement of the fluid further comprises the direction of flow of the fluid.

21. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the output indicative of the movement of the fluid further comprises the thickness of the filter cake buildup.

22. An apparatus for viewing a fluid low, measuring a pressure, measuring a movement, and estimating a temperature of the fluid disposed between two facings used for testing the fluid, the apparatus comprising:

a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the first facing having an aperture extending therethrough;

a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second facing disposable opposite and spaceable apart from the first facing wherein a gap is formed therebetween for containing the fluid;

a light source for providing light;

a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting fiber input end disposed near the light source and a transmitting end, the transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing;

a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving fiber output end and a receiving end, the receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding and optically aligned transmitting end;

light conversion means, connected to the receiving fiber output end, for converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;

signal receiving means, connected to the light conversion means, for receiving the electronic signals;

signal processing means, connected to the signal receiving means, for processing the electronic signals;

signal conversion means for converting the signals processed by the signal processing means into an image of the flow of the fluid;

a stationary plate having an interior surface and a deforming surface, the stationary plate positioned within an open cavity in one of the facings;

a pressure responsive plate having an exterior surface and a deforming surface, the pressure responsive plate positioned within the cavity wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate is disposed near the deforming surface of the stationary plate;

a pressure sensing fiber optic member having a pressure sensing fiber input end, the input end disposed near the light source, an output end and a sensing portion, the sensing portion disposed within the cavity and between the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate, wherein the sensing portion is reversibly deformed when pressure is exerted upon the sensing portion by the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate;

a light detecting means connected to the output end of the pressure sensing fiber optic means for detecting a light signal from the pressure sensing fiber optic member;

pressure outputting means for outputting a pressure reading determined from the light signal;

a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point to form a measuring volume;

support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the window toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid;

photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume;

optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses;

electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid;

a first temperature sensor embedded in one of the facings in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing;

a second temperature sensor embedded in the same facing as the first temperature sensor in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position;

a third temperature sensor embedded in the same facing as the first and second temperature sensors in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, said second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction with respect to an overall direction of the flow of fluid;

signal detecting/converting means connected to each temperature sensor for detecting temperature signals from the temperature sensors and converting the temperature signals into data; and

temperature outputting means for receiving the data and for outputting an estimated fluid temperature reading calculated from the data.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the facing where the temperature sensors are located is further comprised of simulated rock.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the temperature sensors are thermistors.

25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the laser beam means further comprises a semiconductor diode laser beam means.

26. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the support means further comprises adjustable support means for adjustably supporting the laser beam means.

27. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the first facing and the second facing are further comprised of simulated rock.

28. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate further comprise engageable corrugated surfaces.

29. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a window disposed within the aperture.

30. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the first facing and the second facing are supportable within a test cell.

31. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the pressure responsive plate does not extend into the flow path of the fluid.

32. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the output indicative of the movement of the fluid further comprises the bulk velocity of the fluid.

33. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the output indicative of the movement of the fluid further comprises the direction of flow of the fluid.

34. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the output indicative of the movement of the fluid further comprises the thickness of the filter cake buildup.

35. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the apparatus further comprises:

at least one reference fiber optic member having a reference fiber input end, the reference fiber input end disposed near the light source, an output end and a reference portion, the reference portion disposed within the cavity and located generally near the sensing portion of the pressure sensing fiber optic member disposed within the cavity,

a second light detecting means connected to the output end of the reference fiber optic member for detecting a second light signal from the reference fiber optic member, and

comparing means connected to the first mentioned light detecting means and to the second light detecting means for comparing the first mentioned light signal with the second light signal and connected to the outputting means for outputting a compensated pressure reading.

36. A method for viewing a fluid flow and estimating a temperature of the fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a test cell the test cell having disposed therein;

a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing,

a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding transmitting end,

wherein the front surface of the first facing is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the front surface of the second facing forming a gap therebetween, and each transmitting end of the transmitting fiber optic member is optically aligned with the receiving end of one of the receiving fiber optic members,

a first temperature sensor positioned in at least one of the facings in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing,

a second temperature sensor positioned in the same facing as the first temperature sensor in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position, and

a third temperature sensor positioned in the same facing as the first and second temperature sensors in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, said second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction with respect to an overall direction of the flow of fluid;

passing the fluid into the gap between the first facing and the second facing;

passing light through the transmitting fiber optic members with the light being passed through and from the transmitting ends of the transmitting fiber optic members;

receiving, via the receiving fiber optic members, light transmitted from the transmitting fiber optic members;

converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;

receiving and processing the electronic signals;

producing from the processed electronic signals an image of the flow of the fluid within the cell;

detecting a temperature signal from each temperature sensor and converting the temperature signals into data; and

receiving the data and calculating an estimated fluid temperature reading therefrom.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein in the step of calculating an estimated fluid temperature, a regression curve is fit to the data and the estimated fluid temperature is obtained by projection from the curve.

38. The method of claim 36 further comprising the step of determining a proppant flow from the image of the flow of the fluid.

39. The method of claim 36 further comprising the step of determining a proppant distribution from the image of the flow of the fluid.

40. The method of claim 36 further comprising the step of determining a proppant concentration from the image of the flow of the fluid.

41. A method for viewing a fluid flow, measuring a pressure and estimating a temperature of the fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a test cell having disposed therein;

a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing,

a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding transmitting end,

wherein the front surface of the first facing is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the front surface of the second facing forming a gap therebetween, and each transmitting end of the transmitting fiber optic member is optically aligned with the receiving end of one of the receiving fiber optic members,

a stationary plate having an interior surface and a deforming surface, the stationary plate positioned within an open cavity in the front surface of at least one of the facings,

a pressure responsive plate having an exterior surface and a deforming surface, the pressure responsive plate positioned within the cavity wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate rests adjacent the deforming surface of the stationary plate,

a pressure sensing fiber optic member having a sensing portion disposed within the cavity and between the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate, wherein the sensing portion is reversibly deformed when pressure is exerted upon the sensing portion by the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate,

a first temperature sensor positioned in at least one of the facings in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing,

a second temperature sensor positioned in the same facing as the first temperature sensor in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position, and

a third temperature sensor positioned in the same facing as the first and second temperature sensors in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, said second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction with respect to an overall direction of the flow of fluid;

passing a fluid into the gap between the first facing and the second facing;

passing light through the transmitting fiber optic members with the light being passed through and from the transmitting ends of the transmitting fiber optic members;

receiving, via the receiving fiber optic members, light transmitted from the transmitting fiber optic members;

converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;

receiving and processing the electronic signals;

producing from the processed electronic signals an image of the flow of the fluid within the cell;

passing light through the pressure sensing fiber optic member;

detecting a light signal from the pressure sensing fiber optic member;

outputting a pressure reading determined therefrom;

detecting a temperature signal from each temperature sensor and converting the temperature signals into data; and

receiving the data and calculating an estimated fluid temperature reading therefrom.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein in the step of calculating an estimated fluid temperature, a regression curve is fit to the data and the estimated fluid temperature is obtained by projection from the curve.

43. The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of determining a proppant flow from the image of the flow of the fluid.

44. The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of determining a proppant distribution from the image of the flow of the fluid.

45. The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of determining a proppant concentration from the image of the flow of the fluid.

46. The method of claim 41 wherein the method further comprises;

providing at least one reference fiber optic member having a reference portion disposed within the cavity and located generally near the sensing portion of the pressure sensing fiber optic member disposed within the cavity;

passing light through the reference fiber optic member;

detecting a second light signal from the reference fiber optic member; and

comparing the first mentioned light signal with the second light signal for providing a compensated pressure reading.

47. A method for viewing a fluid flow, measuring a movement and estimating a temperature of the fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a test cell having disposed therein;

a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing,

a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding transmitting end, and

wherein the front surface of the first facing is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the front surface of the second facing forming a gap therebetween, and each transmitting end of the transmitting fiber optic member is optically aligned with the receiving end of one of the receiving fiber optic members and

wherein at least one of the facings has an aperture extending therethrough,

a first temperature sensor positioned in at least one of the facings in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing,

a second temperature sensor positioned in the same facing as the first temperature sensor in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position, and

a third temperature sensor positioned in the same facing as the first and second temperature sensors in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, said second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction with respect to an overall direction of the flow of fluid;

passing a fluid into the gap between the first facing and the second facing;

passing light through the transmitting fiber optic members with the light being passed through and from the transmitting ends of the transmitting fiber optic members;

receiving, via the receiving fiber optic members, light transmitted from the transmitting fiber optic members;

converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;

receiving and processing the electronic signals;

producing from the processed electronic signals an image of the flow the fluid within the cell;

detecting a temperature signal from each temperature sensor and converting the temperature signals into data;

receiving the data and calculating an estimated fluid temperature reading therefrom;

using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid;

detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume;

converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and

converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein the step of providing a test cell further comprises providing a window disposed within the aperture.

49. The method of claim 47 wherein in the step of converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement, the output further comprises the bulk velocity of the fluid.

50. The method of claim 47 wherein in the step of converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement, the output further comprises the direction of flow of the fluid.

51. The method of claim 47 wherein in the step of converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement, the output further comprises the thickness of the filter cake buildup.

52. The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of determining a proppant flow from the image of the flow of the fluid.

53. The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of determining a proppant distribution from the image of the flow of the fluid.

54. The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of determining a proppant concentration from the image of the flow of the fluid.

55. The method of claim 47 wherein in the step of calculating an estimated fluid temperature, a regression curve is fit to the data and the estimated fluid temperature is obtained by projection from the curve.

56. A method for viewing a flow fluid, measuring a pressure and a movement and estimating a temperature of the fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a test cell having disposed therein;

a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of transmitting fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each transmitting fiber optic member is supported within the first facing, each transmitting fiber optic member having a transmitting end open to the front surface of the first facing,

a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface and a plurality of receiving fiber optic members, wherein at least a portion of each receiving fiber optic member is supported within the second facing, each receiving fiber optic member having a receiving end open to the front surface of the second facing for receiving light transmitted from a corresponding transmitting end,

wherein the front surface of the first facing is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the front surface of the second facing forming a gap therebetween, and each transmitting end of the transmitting fiber optic member is optically aligned with the receiving end of one of the receiving fiber optic members, and wherein at least one of the facings has an aperture extending therethrough,

a stationary plate having an interior surface and a deforming surface, the stationary plate positioned within an open cavity in the front surface of at least one of the facings,

a pressure responsive plate having an exterior surface and a deforming surface, the pressure responsive plate positioned within the cavity wherein the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate rests adjacent the deforming surface of the stationary plate,

a pressure sensing fiber optic member having a sensing portion disposed within the cavity and between the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate and the deforming surface of the stationary plate, wherein the sensing portion is reversibly deformed when pressure is exerted upon the sensing portion by the deforming surface of the pressure responsive plate;

passing a fluid into the gap between the first facing and the second facing,

a first temperature sensor positioned in at least one of the facings in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing,

a second temperature sensor positioned in the same facing as the first temperature sensor in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position, and

a third temperature sensor positioned in the same facing as the first and second temperature sensor in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, said second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction with respect to an overall direction of the flow of fluid;

passing a fluid into the gap between the first facing and second facing;

passing light through the transmitting fiber optic members with the light being passed through and from the transmitting ends of the transmitting fiber optic members;

receiving, via the receiving fiber optic members, light transmitted from the transmitting fiber optic members;

converting light received by the receiving fiber optic members into electronic signals;

receiving and processing the electronic signals;

producing from the processed electronic signals an image of the flow of the fluid within the cell;

passing light through the pressure sensing fiber optic member;

detecting a light signal from the pressure sensing fiber optic member;

outputting a pressure reading determined therefrom;

using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid;

detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume;

converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses;

converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid detecting a temperature signal from each temperature sensor and converting the temperature signals into data, and receiving the data and calculating an estimated fluid temperature reading therefrom.

57. The method of claim 56 wherein the method further comprises;

providing at least one reference fiber optic member having a reference portion disposed within the cavity and located generally near the sensing portion of the pressure sensing fiber optic member disposed within the cavity;

passing light through the reference fiber optic member;

detecting a second light signal from the reference fiber optic member; and

comparing the first mentioned light signal with the second light signal for providing a compensated pressure reading.

58. The method of claim 56 further comprising the step of determining a proppant flow from the image of the flow of the fluid.

59. The method of claim 56 further comprising the step of determining a proppant distribution from the image of the flow of the fluid.

60. The method of claim 56 further comprising the step of determining a proppant concentration from the image of the flow of the fluid.

61. The method of claim 56 wherein the step of providing a test cell further comprises providing a window disposed within the aperture.

62. The method of claim 56 wherein in the step of converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement, the output further comprises the bulk velocity of the fluid.

63. The method of claim 56 wherein in the step of converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement, the output further comprises the direction of flow of the fluid.

64. The method of claim 56 wherein in the step of converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement, the output further comprises the thickness of the filter cake buildup.

65. The method of claim 56 wherein in the step of calculating an estimated fluid temperature, a regression curve is fit to the data and the estimated fluid temperature is obtained by projection from the curve.