Patent ID: 8432549

Claim:
A method of determining properties relating to multi-phase systems comprising: a) introducing at least one multi-phase sample into a sample tube, having a longitudinal axis, contained within a sample tube array loaded in a sample rack, wherein the sample rack comprises: i) an upper plate comprising at least one series of holes, wherein each hole is suitable for receiving a sample tube; and ii) a lower plate, vertically spaced-apart from the upper plate, comprising: 1) at least one series of holes vertically-aligned with the at least one series of holes in said upper plate, wherein each hole is suitable for receiving a sample tube; and 2) at least one slot arranged alongside the at least one series of holes in said lower plate; b) generating at least a first and second data set by passing a transmitting wave source, a detector, or both, through the at least one slot positioned alongside the sample tube having the at least one multi-phase sample, said at least first and second data set comprising transmitted values, backscattered values, or both, for at least a first portion and at least a second portion of the at least one multi-phase sample, respectively, wherein the at least first and second portions differ at least, in part, with respect to the at least one multi-phase sample; and c) processing the at least first and second generated data sets for the at least one multi-phase sample to determine one or more properties of said at least one multi-phase sample.