Experimental and theoretical studies of isothermal upward gas-liquid flows in vertical tubes
In two-phase flow technolgy, two important problems exist which must be solved as a function of the various physical and system parameters associated with the phenomenon, and which stand as prerequisites for proper modelling of two-phase processes: Prediction of the flow pattern under existing operating conditions and prediction of the holdup for each given flow pattern. Modelling studies of steady isothermal upward gas-liquid flows in vertical pipes, at low pressures, were undertaken. Experimental data on liquid holdup over a wide range of flow rates were taken for all observed flow patterns-bubbly, slug, churn, and annular - by means of a specially designed Quick-Closing Valves System. This technique also allowed the detection of a unique phenomenon occurring in the form of fast-flowing slugs of gas-liquid mixture, in both the churn and annular flow patterns, which was called the lump phenomenon. The lump holdup was measured and a qualitative theory regarding the nature, formation and propagation of these structures was proposed. A photographic method was applied to the slug flow pattern in order to determine both the rise velocity and length of Taylor bubbles and liquid slugs characteristic of this flow regime. Assisted by the measured data, flow pattern-based physical models were developed for predicting holdup of bubbly flows and the detailed structure of slug flows. The latter was accomplished by means of a fairly complete analysis which enabled the prediction of several variables of interest such as void fractions, velocities, film thicknesses and the length ratio between Taylor bubbles and liquid slugs. The average holdup for churn flow was predicted by directly applying the slug flow model to that flow pattern. A simplified framework for calculating the holdup in annular flows was also proposed. The comparison between theory and experiment showed that for bubbly, slug and churn flows the predicted results are in good agreement with the data.
- OSTI ID:
- 5990108
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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