This paper presents a novel capacitance probe

i.e.

parallel-wire capacitance probe (PWCP)

for two-phase flow measurement. Using finite element method (FEM)

the sensitivity field of the PWCP is investigated and the optimum sensor geometry is determiend in term of the characterisitc parameters. Then

the response of PWCP for the oil-water stratified flow is calculated

and it is found the PWCP has better linearity and sensitivity to the variation of water-layer thickness

and is almost independant of the angle between the oil-water interface and the sensor electrode. Finally

the static experiment for oil-water stratified flow is carried out and the calibration method of liquid holdup is presented.