Numerical study on two-phase flow in horizontal pipe

Abstract

Two-phase flow in a horizontal pipe was investigated by using numerical and experimental visualization methods. A horizontal pipe was built for qualitative and quantitative flow visualization. The length of horizontal pipe flow system was 9.5 m and the inner diameter was 51 mm. High-speed video method was used for the qualitative visualization and PIV method was applied for the quantitative visualization. The same geometry model was used for the numerical study. Three flow regimes including stratified flow, elongated bubble and slug flow field were generated and visualized by using numerical and experimental methods. The results show that the numerical simulation results are qualitatively similar to that of the experimental results. In addition, more quantitative results can be analyzed by numerical method. Development and decay process of slug flow was investigated, showing that the decay of slug heavily depends on the magnitude of nose velocity and its lasting time. It can also be found that the liquid superficial velocity plays a significant role in affecting the slug frequency. When keeping the gas superficial velocity constant, the frequency will increase with the liquid superficial velocity. ? 2021, Editorial Department of Journal of Drainage and Irrigation Machinery Engineering. All right reserved.