Accuracy Study of the Flux-Corrected Transport Numerical Method Applied to Transient Two-Phase Flow Simulations in Gas Pipelines

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline B. Figueiredo ◽  
David E. G. P. Bueno ◽  
Renan M. Baptista ◽  
Felipe B. F. Rachid ◽  
Gustavo C. R. Bodstein
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Method ◽  
Flow Pattern ◽  
Two Phase Flow ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Specific Class ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Flux Corrected Transport

The ability to produce accurate numerical simulations of transient two-phase flows in gas pipelines has long been an important issue in the oil industry. A reliable prediction of such flows is a difficult task to accomplish due to the numerous sources of uncertainties, such as the basic two-phase flow model, the flow-pattern models, the initial condition and the numerical method used to solve the system of partial differential equations. Several numerical methods, conservative or not, of first- and second-order accuracies may be used to discretize the problem. In this paper we use the flux-corrected transport (FCT) finite-difference method to solve a one-dimensional single-pressure four-equation two-fluid model for the two-phase flow that occurs in a nearly horizontal pipeline characterized by the stratified-flow pattern. Because the FCT algorithm is of indeterminate order, we use a test case to assess the spatial and time accuracies for the specific class of hyperbolic problem that we obtain with the modeling employed here. The results show that the method is first order in time and second order in space, which have important consequences on the choice of mesh spacing and time step for a desired accuracy.

scholarly journals Application of a VOF Method to Model Compressible Two-Phase Flow in Sloshing Tanks

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rik Wemmenhove ◽  
Roel Luppes ◽  
Arthur E. P. Veldman ◽  
Tim Bunnik
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Method ◽  
Two Phase Flow ◽  
Air Entrainment ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Upwind Scheme ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Air Entrapment ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Model Experiments ◽  
Fluid Behaviour

The growing transport of LNG in partially filled tanks raises the demand to have accurate methods to predict the fluid behaviour in these sloshing tanks and the effect of the sloshing fluid on the tanker motion. To examine the motion of the sloshing fluid, model experiments have been carried out on a scale of 1:10. Different tank filling ratios and types of motion have been tested to study the sloshing fluid behaviour for various sea states. The model experiments have been carried out to provide extensive validation material for the numerical method ComFLOW. The details of this improved Volume Of Fluid (iVOF) method are presented in the paper. The method resolves the governing equations in both fluids, one of them being compressible. The compressibility of the second phase is especially important for more violent flow conditions, when two-phase phenomena such as air entrapment and air entrainment occur frequently. Particular attention in the numerical method has been paid to the treatment of the flow variables around the interface, especially the density. The fluid is convected by means of a first-or second-order upwind scheme. The behaviour of the sloshing fluid strongly depends upon the regularity of the tank motion and the filling ratio of the tank. Video frames, wave probes and pressure transducers have been used to compare the fluid flow of simulation and experiment. Two-phase effects such as air entrapment are more common for increasing tank filling ratios and for more irregular tank motion. A realistic simulation of these effects is possible by modeling two-phase flow, especially when using a relatively fine grid and applying the less-dissipative second-order upwind scheme. Compared to the earlier paper on the numerical simulation of sloshing in LNG tanks [8], where the numerical method was validated for regular sway motion, more extensive attention is paid to the accuracy of the applied discretisation schemes in space and time. The results of different schemes are now evaluated for both regular and irregular sway and roll motion of LNG tanks.

Upward Vertical Two-Phase Flow Through an Annulus—Part II: Modeling Bubble, Slug, and Annular Flow

1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. F. Caetano ◽  
O. Shoham ◽  
J. P. Brill
Keyword(s):  
Flow Pattern ◽  
Annular Flow ◽  
Two Phase Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Bubble Flow ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Physical Phenomena ◽  
Good Agreement

Mechanistic models have been developed for each of the existing two-phase flow patterns in an annulus, namely bubble flow, dispersed bubble flow, slug flow, and annular flow. These models are based on two-phase flow physical phenomena and incorporate annulus characteristics such as casing and tubing diameters and degree of eccentricity. The models also apply the new predictive means for friction factor and Taylor bubble rise velocity presented in Part I. Given a set of flow conditions, the existing flow pattern in the system can be predicted. The developed models are applied next for predicting the flow behavior, including the average volumetric liquid holdup and the average total pressure gradient for the existing flow pattern. In general, good agreement was observed between the experimental data and model predictions.

Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer in Rectangular Micro-Channels

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weilin Qu ◽  
Seok-Mann Yoon ◽  
Issam Mudawar
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Flow Pattern ◽  
Two Phase Flow ◽  
Flow Patterns ◽  
Heat Sinks ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Micro Channel ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Micro Channels

Knowledge of flow pattern and flow pattern transitions is essential to the development of reliable predictive tools for pressure drop and heat transfer in two-phase micro-channel heat sinks. In the present study, experiments were conducted with adiabatic nitrogen-water two-phase flow in a rectangular micro-channel having a 0.406 × 2.032 mm cross-section. Superficial velocities of nitrogen and water ranged from 0.08 to 81.92 m/s and 0.04 to 10.24 m/s, respectively. Flow patterns were first identified using high-speed video imaging, and still photos were then taken for representative patterns. Results reveal that the dominant flow patterns are slug and annular, with bubbly flow occurring only occasionally; stratified and churn flow were never observed. A flow pattern map was constructed and compared with previous maps and predictions of flow pattern transition models. Annual flow is identified as the dominant flow pattern for conditions relevant to two-phase micro-channel heat sinks, and forms the basis for development of a theoretical model for both pressure drop and heat transfer in micro-channels. Features unique to two-phase micro-channel flow, such as laminar liquid and gas flows, smooth liquid-gas interface, and strong entrainment and deposition effects are incorporated into the model. The model shows good agreement with experimental data for water-cooled heat sinks.

scholarly journals Flow Pattern and Pressure Drop Characteristics on Gas/Liquid Two-phase Flow in a Serpentine Capillary Tube

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toru SUKAWA ◽  
Tomoya HASEGAWA ◽  
Kenji YOSHIDA ◽  
Isao KATAOKA
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Flow Pattern ◽  
Two Phase Flow ◽  
Capillary Tube ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Two Phase
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