Liquid carry-over and entrainment in two-phase countercurrent flooding

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6432999

Lee, H M

Two-phase countercurrent flow has received extensive attention due to its broad applications in chemical and nuclear industries. In this study, experimental research of the complete two-phase countercurrent flooding process (from zero to over 90% liquid penetration reduction) was conducted for two different types of test sections: contraction plate-in-tube and single tube. For each type of test section, there are three flow regimes detected in the flooding process. For the contraction plate-in-tube test section, the flow regimes are separated countercurrent flow, in-tube mixed flow, and mixed flow with liquid carry-over, for the single tube test section, the flow regimes include separated flow, in-tube gas-liquid mixing, and top-flooding. Comparison between the liquid carry-over data and the pressure traces with the aid of visual observations show the distinction between (1) flow regime transitions; (2) changes in pressure-drop characteristics; (3) onset of liquid carry-over; (4) onset of significant reduction in liquid penetration. The effects of seven geometric and flow factors on liquid penetration or carry-over flux were examined for the contraction plate-in-tube test section. The experimental data show that an increase in the number of paths, liquid surface tension, and wetted perimeter have significant stabilizing effects. The liquid injection rate and the position of the plate have secondary effects on the onset of flooding and the liquid penetration rate; introduction of liquid spray from the bottom increases the liquid carry-over rate only slightly. The flow area of the plate is well accounted for in the Kutateladze variables. An analytical model for the contraction plate-in-tube test section was developed to predict both the liquid cary-over flux and onset of flooding.

• OSTI ID: 6432999
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420400* -- Engineering-- Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
GASES
LIQUIDS
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
TWO-PHASE FLOW