FIELD: determination of quantity of coal dust transported pneumatically and detection of columns. SUBSTANCE: variable electric field is excited in measurement section of pipe-line on frequency less than cut- off frequency. Attenuation of above-mentioned field is determined over length of measurement section as function of frequency. Frequency shift corresponding to reference linear leg of steepest part of transient attenuation curve is found during transportation and is used to compute concentration of solid material or liquid. Presence of columns is detected by determination of content of particles along various azimuthal directions of excited variable electric field. EFFECT: process ensures high sensitivity when concentrations are very low or they change slightly. 9 cl, 4 dwg, 2 tbl
