Effect of Drag-Reducing Agent on Slug Characteristics in Multiphase Flow in Inclined Pipes

1999 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Kang ◽  
W. P. Jepson ◽  
M. Gopal
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Multiphase Flow ◽  
Liquid Film ◽  
Froude Number ◽  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Translational Velocity ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Inclined Pipes ◽  
Superficial Liquid Velocity

The effect of drag-reducing agent (DRA) on multiphase flow in upward and downward inclined pipes has been studied. The effect of DRA on pressure drop and slug characteristics such as slug translational velocity, the height of the liquid film, slug frequency, and Froude number have been determined. Experiments were performed in 10-cm i.d., 18-m long plexiglass pipes at inclinations of 2 and 15 deg for 50 percent oil-50 percent water-gas. The DRA effect was examined for concentrations ranging from 0 to 50 ppm. Studies were done for superficial liquid velocities between 0.5 and 3 m/s and superficial gas velocities between 2 and 10 m/s. The results indicate that the DRA was effective in reducing the pressure drop for both upflow and downflow in inclined pipes. Pressure gradient reduction of up to 92 percent for stratified flow with a concentration of 50 ppm DRA was achieved in ±2 deg downward inclined flow. The effectiveness of DRA for slug flow was 67 percent at a superficial liquid velocity of 0.5 m/s and superficial gas velocity of 2 m/s in 15 deg upward inclined pipes. Slug translational velocity does not change with DRA concentrations. The slug frequency decreases from 68 to 54 slugs/min at superficial liquid velocity of 1 m/s and superficial gas velocity of 4 m/s in 15 deg upward inclined pipes as the concentration of 50 ppm was added. The height of the liquid film decreased with the addition of DRA, which leads to an increase in Froude number.

scholarly journals Frictional Pressure Drop and Liquid Holdup of Churn Flow in Vertical Pipes with Different Viscosities

Geofluids ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Zilong Liu ◽  
Yubin Su ◽  
Ming Lu ◽  
Zilong Zheng ◽  
Ruiquan Liao
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Liquid Holdup ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Frictional Pressure Drop ◽  
Viscous Oil ◽  
Predicted Values ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Churn Flow

Churn flow commonly exists in the pipe of heavy oil, and the characteristics of churn flow should be widely understood. In this paper, we carried out air and viscous oil two-phase flow experiments, and the diameter of the test section is 60 mm. The viscosity range of the oil was 100~480 mPa·s. Based on the measured liquid holdup and pressure drop data of churn flow, it can be concluded that, due to the existence of liquid film backflow, positive and negative frictional pressure drop can be found and the change of frictional pressure drop with the superficial gas velocity is related to superficial liquid velocity. With the increase of viscosity, the change rate of frictional pressure drop increases with the increase of the superficial gas velocity. Combining our previous work and the Taitel model, we proposed a new pressure drop model for viscous oil-air two-phase churn flow in vertical pipes. By comparing the predicted values of existing models with the measured pressure drop data, the proposed model has better performance in predicting the pressure drop.

Mass Transfer Studies in a Novel Perforated Plate Bubble Column

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Dhanasekaran ◽  
T. Karunanithi
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Bubble Column ◽  
Perforated Plate ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Plate Spacing ◽  
Mass Transfer Studies ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Superficial Liquid Velocity

This investigation reports the experimental and theoretical results carried out to evaluate the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) in a novel hybrid rotating and reciprocating perforated plate bubble column. Countercurrent condition is performed. kLa is studied by the absorption of oxygen from air into deoxygenated water at room temperature (27 ± 1°C). Effects of agitation level, superficial gas velocity, superficial liquid velocity and plate spacing on kLa were analyzed and found to be significant. With an increase in agitation level at a constant superficial gas and liquid velocities, the breakage process of gas bubbles starts to be more pronounced and intensive oxygen mass transfer occurs. Hence, kLa increases sharply. kLa increases with an increase in superficial gas velocity, due to higher gas holdup and the enhanced breakup of bubbles. Similarly, kLa increases with an increase in superficial liquid velocity and the effect is found to be significant. When plate spacing is decreased (by increasing the number of plates), it is observed that the kLa increases at higher superficial gas velocity and agitation level. Correlation is developed for the determination of kLa and found to concur with experimental results. This correlation can be used for the determination of kLa for this hybrid column with 95% accuracy within the range of variables investigated in this present study.

scholarly journals Effects of Liquid Velocity on Pressure Gradient, Slip and Interfacial Friction Factor in Annular Flow in Horizontal Pipe

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Uche Osokogwu
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Friction Factor ◽  
Annular Flow ◽  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Interfacial Friction ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Horizontal Pipe ◽  
Mixture Density ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Superficial Liquid Velocity

Experimental investigations on annular flow behaviour in two-phase (air/water) flow in horizontal pipe were conducted using 2-inch (0.0504m) with a total length of 28.68m closed loop system. The emphasis from the experiments were on pressure gradient, slip and interfacial friction factor in annular flow. For interfacial friction factor, the entrainment, gas quality, the droplets and slip mixture density values were obtained through the experimental results which were substituted to determine it. In all, effects of liquid velocity were felt, as increase in superficial liquid velocity, increases the interfacial friction factor and pressure gradient in annular flow in horizontal pipes. More so, increase in superficial gas velocity, reduces the interfacial friction factor. Thus, interfacial friction factor decreases with increases in superficial gas velocity, while the pressure gradient increases with increase in superficial liquid velocity. The lower the superficial liquid velocity, the higher the slip but the lower the pressure gradient. Likewise, the lower the superficial liquid velocity, the more ripple waves obtained while the higher the superficial liquid velocity, the more disturbance waves in annular flow in horizontal pipe from the experiments.

scholarly journals The Effect of a Modified Downcomer on the Hydrodynamics in an External Loop Airlift Reactor

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel T. Jones ◽  
Theodore J. Heindel
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Bubble Column ◽  
Gas Holdup ◽  
Area Ratio ◽  
Airlift Reactor ◽  
Open Area ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
External Loop ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Superficial Liquid Velocity

Gas holdup and superficial liquid velocity in the downcomer and riser are studied for an external loop airlift reactor with an area ratio of 1:16. Two downcomer configurations are investigated consisting of the downcomer open or closed to the atmosphere. Experiments for these two configurations are carried out over a range of superficial gas velocities from UG = 0.5 to 20 cm/s using three aeration plates with open area ratios of 0.62, 0.99 and 2.22%. These results are compared to a bubble column operated with similar operating conditions. Experimental results show that the gas holdup in the riser does not vary significantly with a change in the downcomer configuration or bubble column operation, while a considerable variation is observed in the downcomer gas holdup. Gas holdup in both the riser and downcomer are found to increase with increasing superficial gas velocity. Test results also show that the maximum gas holdup for the three aerator plates is similar, but the gas holdup trends are different. The superficial liquid velocity is found to vary considerably for the two downcomer configurations. However, for both cases the superficial liquid velocity is a function of the superficial gas velocity and/or the flow condition in the downcomer. These observed variations are independent of the aerator plate open area ratio. When the downcomer vent is open to the atmosphere, the superficial liquid velocity is initially observed to increase with increasing superficial gas velocity until the onset of choking occurs in the downcomer. Increasing the superficial gas velocity beyond the onset of choking increases the effect of choking and decreases the superficial liquid velocity. Once maximum choking is reached, the superficial liquid velocity becomes independent of the superficial gas velocity. When the downcomer vent is closed to the atmosphere, the superficial liquid velocity is initially observed to decrease with increasing superficial gas velocity as choking in the downcomer is immediately present. Once maximum choking occurs, the superficial liquid velocity once again becomes independent of the superficial gas velocity.

Foam Breakup in CFC/GLCC© System

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramin Dabirian ◽  
Ardian Nababan ◽  
Ilias Gavrielatos ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Petroleum Industry ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Production Operation ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Break Up ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Churn Flow ◽  
Superficial Liquid Velocity

Foaming is a common phenomenon in the petroleum industry. Foams can be desirable for drilling applications, whereby the cutting bits are lubricated, and cuttings are carried up to the surface. However, foam can be undesirable for production operation, which hinders the gas-liquid separation process. Experimental investigation has been conducted on foam break-up in a standalone Churn Flow Coalescer (CFC), a standalone Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©) and a combined CFC/GLCC© system. A 1-inch Foam Characterization Rig (FCR) is utilized. The FCR is equipped with a 3-inch diameter CFC, which is connected in series to a 2-inch diameter GLCC©. A total of 30 experimental runs are conducted for both Gas Mode (GM) and Liquid Mode (LM) operations. A surfactant (SI-403) with concentration of 0.025%, superficial liquid velocities of 0.1 and 0.15 m/s and superficial gas velocities of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 m/s are used in the experiments. The experimental results show that for the GM operation, the foam break-up in combined CFC/GLCC© system is more efficient than that in the standalone GLCC©, for the same flow conditions. Lowering the superficial gas velocity or increasing the superficial liquid velocity produce less stable foam, larger gas bubbles and lower half-life time. The outlet clear liquid flow rate (with no foam) under the LM operation increases with increasing superficial liquid velocity or decreasing superficial gas velocity. The recommended operational conditions for the CFC are at low superficial gas velocities, lower than the transition boundary to churn flow in the CFC.

Effects of Liquid Viscosity on the Wave Velocity and Wave Frequency in Horizontal Annular Flow

2015 ◽  
Vol 758 ◽  
pp. 7-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andriyanto Setyawan ◽  
Indarto ◽  
Deendarlianto ◽  
Apip Badarudin
Keyword(s):  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Annular Flow ◽  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Current Method ◽  
Wave Frequency ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Liquid Holdup ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Superficial Liquid Velocity ◽  
Working Liquid

An investigation on the liquid holdup, wave velocity, and wave frequency in horizontal annular flow has been experimentally conducted through the measurement of liquid holdup using constant electric current method (CECM) sensors. To investigate the effect of viscosity, water and glycerin were used as working liquid, using superficial liquid velocity and superficial gas velocity of 0.05 to 0.2 m/s and 12 to 40 m/s, respectively. Liquids with higher viscosity give the higher liquid holdup, lower wave velocity, and lower wave frequency. Correlations for liquid holdup and mean film thickness, wave velocity, and wave frequency have been developed with mean average errors (MAE) of 13.5%, 9.2%, and 8.6%, respectively.

Non-Invasive Method for Velocity and Slug Length Measurements in Gas/Liquid Flow in Horizontal Pipes

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Al-Lababidi ◽  
M. L. Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Flow ◽  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Correlation Technique ◽  
Translational Velocity ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Horizontal Pipe ◽  
Horizontal Pipes ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Gas Liquid Flow ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity

A method was developed for the measurement of slug frequency, slug velocity and slug length of two-phase gas/liquid flow under slug conditions in 2-inch horizontal pipe. The method consists of two pairs of ultrasonic transducers with 1MHz frequency. Non-invasive detection for slugs was achieved over a range of (0.1–1 ms−1) superficial liquid velocity and (0.1–3 ms−1) superficial gas velocity. The slug translational velocity was measured using a cross correlation technique for the modulated ultrasonic signals received. The slug length was measured after measuring the slug time t(slug) and slug translational velocity. The slug parameters measured were extensively compared with conductivity probes measurements and experimental correlations.

Design and Performance of Slug Damper

2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Reinoso ◽  
Luis E. Gomez ◽  
Shoubo Wang ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Liquid Flow ◽  
Liquid Flow Rate ◽  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Flow Loop ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity

This study investigates theoretically and experimentally the slug damper as a novel flow conditioning device, which can be used upstream of compact separation systems. In the experimental part, a 3 in. ID slug damper facility has been installed in an existing 2 in. diameter two-phase flow loop. This flow loop includes an upstream slug generator, a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©, ©The University of Tulsa, 1994) attached to the slug damper downstream and a set of conductance probes for measuring the propagation of the dissipated slug along the damper. Over 200 experimental runs were conducted with artificially generated inlet slugs of 50 ft length (Ls/d=300) that were dumped into the loop upstream of the slug damper, varying the superficial liquid velocity between 0.5 ft/s and 2.5 ft/s and superficial gas velocity between 10 ft/s and 40 ft/s (in the 2 in. inlet pipe) and utilizing segmented orifice opening heights of 1 in., 1.5 in., 2 in., and 3 in. For each experimental run, the measured data included propagation of the liquid slug front in the damper, differential pressure across the segmented orifice, GLCC liquid level, GLCC outlet liquid flow, and static pressure in the GLCC. The data show that the slug damper/GLCC system is capable of dissipating long slugs, narrowing the range of liquid flow rate from the downstream GLCC. Also, the damper capacity to process large slugs is a strong function of the superficial gas velocity (and mixture velocity). The theoretical part includes the development of a mechanistic model for the prediction of the hydrodynamic flow behavior in the slug damper. The model enables the predictions of the outlet liquid flow rate and the available damping time, and in turn the prediction of the slug damper capacity. Comparison between the model predictions and the acquired data reveals an accuracy of ±30% with respect to the available damping time and outlet liquid flow rate. The developed model can be used for design of slug damper units.

Bubble Diameter and Effective Interfacial Area in a Novel Hybrid Rotating and Reciprocating Perforated Plate Bubble Column

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhanasekaran S ◽  
Karunanithi T
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Velocity ◽  
Bubble Column ◽  
Bubble Diameter ◽  
Perforated Plate ◽  
Interfacial Area ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Plate Column

This investigation reports on the experimental and theoretical investigation carried out to evaluate the bubble diameter and effective interfacial area in a novel Hybrid Rotating and Reciprocating Perforated Plate Bubble Column. Air-water system is used in this investigation. Countercurrent mode is employed. The effects of agitation level, superficial gas velocity and superficial liquid velocity on the bubble size distribution are studied. The mean bubble diameter is predicted using photographic technique. A simple correlation is developed for the determination of mean bubble diameter. It is found that the mean bubble diameter values for hybrid column are 1.8 to 2.5 times smaller when compared with conventional reciprocating plate column. The interfacial area is calculated based on the experimental results of the gas holdup and bubble diameter. Effects of agitation level, superficial gas velocity, superficial liquid velocity and plate free area on the interfacial area have been investigated. Correlations are developed for the determination of interfacial area for both mixer-settler and emulsion regions. It could be noted that the interfacial area for the hybrid column is 3 to 6 times higher in both mixer-settler region and emulsion region than that of conventional reciprocating plate column which is quite large.

Flow Behaviors in a High-Flux Circulating Fluidized Bed

2008 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofang Wang ◽  
Baosheng Jin ◽  
Wenqi Zhong ◽  
Mingyao Zhang ◽  
Yaji Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Mass Flux ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Slip Velocity ◽  
Circulating Fluidized Bed ◽  
High Flux ◽  
Flow Ratio ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Solids Holdup ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity

A high-flux circulating fluidized bed coal gasifier cold model which consists of a vertical riser (0.06m-I.D.×5m-high), two downcomers (0.04m-I.D.×3.5m-high and 0.1m-I.D.×3m-high), an inertial separator, a cyclone and two solid feeding devices were established. Geldart group B particles with mean diameters of 140 ?m and densities of 2700 kg/m3 were used as bed materials. Flow behaviors were investigated with the solid mass flux ranges from 108 to 395 kg/m2 and the superficial gas velocity ranges from 7.6 to 10.2 m/s. The pressure drop, apparent solids holdups, average slip velocity and solids-to-air mass flow ratio under different operating conditions were obtained. The results showed that the riser total pressure drop increased sharply with bed height in the low elevation but slowly in the high elevation, since the solids holdup was higher in the low region than that in the high region. The solids holdup increased with the increasing of solids mass flux while it decreased with increasing superficial gas velocity. A dense suspension upflow flow (DSU) structure was found only existing in the low elevation while the rest upper region was still in the dilute phase, and the length of DSU flow structure increased with solids mass flux. The average slip velocity was found to be the strong function of apparent solids holdup; increasing apparent solids holdup leads to the increase of slip velocity. The riser total pressure drop and apparent solids holdup increase with the solids-to-air mass flow ratio.

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