Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique was used to investigate the fluid dynamics of multiphase flow in two different applications: (a) stationary two-phase flow in trickle beds, and (b) time-dependent droplet separation in granular bed filters. The experiments were carried out with different gas/liquid systems at either atmospheric conditions or at elevated pressure and temperature. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional image data were then evaluated to quantify the porosity profiles and gas/liquid distribution in packed beds. The results compare well with data from integral measurements. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.