Two-Phase Pressure Drop (I need an expert)

  • #1
mastermechanic
108
15
Hello everyone,

I have been trying to find a relatively accurate pressure drop correlation for horizontal flow of air-oil mixture. I have been testing 7 correlation in my test points however I am still hesitated to select the appropriate one based on the results.

System Props:
* D_pipe:
17.63 mm
* Liquid density: 887 kg/m3
* Total Mass Flux (G): 150-300 kg/m2.s
* Gas density: 0.08-1.4 kg/m3
* T_mix: 423 K
* Mass quality (x) is very low: x<< 0.1 (However, due to low air density void fraction is high)
* Superficial reynolds # (Liquid-Gas): Mostly Laminar - Laminar or Turbulent - Laminar
* Flow pattern: Mostly Slug
* Tested Correlations:
1-) Lockhart - Martinelli
2-) Homogenous Flow w/ Blasius friction
3-) Homogenous Flow w/ Churchill friction
4-) Friedel
5- ) Chisholm's two-phase friction multiplier
6-) Müller-Steinhagen & Heck
7-) Afshin Ghajar's modification of Müller's correlationPROBLEM: I have tested these correlation through my test points but as you can see in the graph below there is a huge discrepancy between (1-2-3-4-5) and (6-7). The reason behind it is because first five correlations are based on homogenous flow (HFM) assumption however my test range is mostly slug flow. Müller and Afshin correlations are claimed to be accurate in this range but the results also seem too much to me.

plot.PNG

* I didn't quite capture why the increase and decrease trends of HFM and (6-7) are inverse at some regions.

* Although my test range has lost of parameters that all change throughout the mission points, the lockhart-martinelli nearly didn't change at all. (L-M method is usually suggested for G<100 maybe thats the reason)

* The pipeline is in fact has some bends and slight inclinations at some points so I would not expect any laminar behavior in contrast to what Re numbers tell us.

Overall, although I am sure of the flow pattern and Muller's correlation is claimed to be most accurate over the entire flow patterns, the large difference and high pressure drop made me suspicious since all other correlations (although they're HFM) are laid well below. I have been thinking if I am doing wrong, if I can model the flow via HFM)

I am waiting for your valuable comments and help to select appropriate correlation.

Thanks in advance,
 

FAQ: Two-Phase Pressure Drop (I need an expert)

What is two-phase pressure drop?

Two-phase pressure drop refers to the loss of pressure as a fluid mixture of two different phases, typically a liquid and a gas, flows through a conduit or a system. This phenomenon is critical in various industrial applications, including chemical processing, oil and gas transportation, and HVAC systems.

What factors influence two-phase pressure drop?

Several factors influence two-phase pressure drop, including the flow rates of each phase, the physical properties of the fluids (such as density and viscosity), the flow pattern, the conduit geometry (diameter, length, roughness), and the orientation of the flow (horizontal, vertical, inclined).

How is two-phase pressure drop calculated?

Two-phase pressure drop is typically calculated using empirical correlations or mechanistic models. These models account for the complex interactions between the phases and the flow regime. Common methods include the Lockhart-Martinelli correlation, the Friedel correlation, and the homogeneous model. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are also increasingly used for more precise calculations.

Why is understanding two-phase pressure drop important in industry?

Understanding two-phase pressure drop is crucial for the design and optimization of equipment and pipelines in various industries. Accurate prediction of pressure drop ensures efficient operation, safety, and cost-effectiveness. It helps in selecting appropriate pumps, compressors, and other components, and in avoiding issues like flow instabilities, excessive energy consumption, and equipment failure.

What are common challenges in measuring two-phase pressure drop?

Common challenges in measuring two-phase pressure drop include the complexity of the flow patterns, the presence of phase change (e.g., boiling or condensation), and the dynamic nature of the flow. Accurate measurement requires sophisticated instrumentation and techniques, such as differential pressure transducers, high-speed cameras, and advanced data analysis methods to capture and interpret the transient and spatial variations in the flow.

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