Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Gas–liquid Two-phase Flow Dynamics and Pressure Drop in Horizontal Contraction Pipes

Wen, J.; Ren, Y.; Wang, D.; Bai, C.

doi:10.47176/jafm.18.12.3597

Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Gas–liquid Two-phase Flow Dynamics and Pressure Drop in Horizontal Contraction Pipes

Document Type : Regular Article

Authors

¹ State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures / Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environment and Control for Flight Vehicle, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China

² Xi'an Thermal Power Research Institute Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710054, China

10.47176/jafm.18.12.3597

Abstract

Contraction pipes are widely employed in pipeline systems to enable transitions between varying pipe diameters. The behavior of two-phase flow within these pipes and the resulting internal pressure drop can significantly influence the operation and safety of such systems. To explore the mechanisms linking two-phase pressure drop characteristics to flow patterns in horizontal contraction pipes, we designed and constructed an experimental setup. The pressure variations within the contraction pipe under different operating conditions were measured experimentally, and the phenomenon of vena contracta for two-phase flow with different flow patterns was analyzed using the Ω-vortex identification method based on the numerical simulation results. Stratified flow in contraction pipes exhibits significant interphase interactions, which inhibit the formation of vena contracta and impact pressure drop characteristics. Intermittent flow displays hybrid behaviors: resembling single-phase flow during liquid slug transit (with transient vena contracta formation) and stratified flow during gas bubble passage (suppressing vena contracta). By examining the vena contracta phenomenon across various flow patterns, we develop an improved pressure drop model for contraction pipes, extending the homogeneous flow model by incorporating a flow-pattern-dependent contraction coefficient. The pressure drop predicted by the improved model agrees with the experimental data within a 20% error band for 95% of the data points, demonstrating the validity of the proposed model. Compared with the homogeneous flow model, the improved model reduces the mean relative error by 12.52% and enhances the prediction accuracy of the contraction pressure drop for two-phase flow.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Multiphase and Particle-Laden Flows

References

Abdelall, F., Hahn, G., Ghiaasiaan, S., Abdel-Khalik, S., Jeter, S., Yoda, M., & Sadowski, D. (2005). Pressure drop caused by abrupt flow area changes in small channels. Experimental thermal and fluid science, 29(4), 425-434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2004.05.001

Ahmadpour, A., Abadi, S. N. R., & Kouhikamali, R. (2016). Numerical simulation of two-phase gas–liquid flow through gradual expansions/contractions. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 79, 31-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2015.10.008

Akhlaghi, M., Mohammadi, V., Nouri, N. M., Taherkhani, M., & Karimi, M. (2019). Multi-Fluid VoF model assessment to simulate the horizontal air–water intermittent flow. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 152, 48-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2019.09.031

Al'Ferov, N., & Shul'Zhenko, Y. N. (1977). Pressure drops in two-phase flows through local resistances. Fluid Mechanics Soviet Research, 6, 20-33.

Amini, Y., Ghazanfari, V., Heydari, M., Shadman, M. M., Khamseh, A. G., Khani, M. H., & Hassanvand, A. (2023). Computational fluid dynamics simulation of two-phase flow patterns in a serpentine microfluidic device. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 9483. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36672-6

Attou, A., & Bolle, L. (1995). Evaluation of the two-phase pressure loss across singularities. ASME-Publications-Fed, 210, 121-128.

Beattie, D. R., & Whalley, P. (1982). Simple two-phase frictional pressure drop calculation method. International Journal of Multiphase Flow;(United Kingdom), 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9322(82)90009-X

Brackbill, J. U., Kothe, D. B., & Zemach, C. (1992). A continuum method for modeling surface tension. Journal of Computational Physics, 100(2), 335-354. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9991(92)90240-Y

Cavallini, A., Censi, G., Del Col, D., Doretti, L., Longo, G. A., & Rossetto, L. (2002). Condensation of halogenated refrigerants inside smooth tubes. Hvac&R Research, 8(4), 429-451. https://doi.org/10.1080/10789669.2002.10391299

Chalfi, T. Y., & Ghiaasiaan, S. (2008). Pressure drop caused by flow area changes in capillaries under low flow conditions. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 34(1), 2-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2007.09.004

Chen, Y., Chu, M.-C., Liaw, J. S., & Wang, C. C. (2008a). Two-phase flow characteristics across sudden contraction in small rectangular channels. Experimental thermal and fluid science, 32(8), 1609-1619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2008.05.009

Chen, Y., Yang, K. S., Chang, Y.-J., & Wang, C. C. (2001). Two-phase pressure drop of air–water and R-410A in small horizontal tubes. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 27(7), 1293-1299. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-9322(01)00004-0

Cheng, L., Ribatski, G., Quibén, J. M., & Thome, J. R. (2008b). New prediction methods for CO2 evaporation inside tubes: Part I–A two-phase flow pattern map and a flow pattern based phenomenological model for two-phase flow frictional pressure drops. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 51(1-2), 111-124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2007.04.002

Chisholm, D. (1967). A theoretical basis for the Lockhart-Martinelli correlation for two-phase flow. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 10(12), 1767-1778. https://doi.org/10.1016/0017-9310(67)90047-6

Chisholm, D. (1985). Two-phase flow in heat exchangers and pipelines. Heat transfer engineering, 6(2), 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1080/01457638508939624

El-Shaboury, A., Soliman, H., & Sims, G. (2007). Two-phase flow in a horizontal equal-sided impacting tee junction. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 33(4), 411-431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2006.10.002

Friedel, L. (1979). Improved friction pressure drop correlations for horizontal and vertical two-phase pipe flow. European Two-Phase Group Meeting, Ispra, Italy.

Geiger, G. E. (1964). Sudden contraction losses in single and two-phase flow [Doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh].

Hirt, C. W., & Nichols, B. D. (1981). Volume of fluid (VOF) method for the dynamics of free boundaries. Journal of Computational Physics, 39(1), 201-225. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9991(81)90145-5

Hwang, C. Y. J., & Pal, R. (1997). Flow of two-phase oil/water mixtures through sudden expansions and contractions. Chemical Engineering Journal, 68(2-3), 157-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1385-8947(97)00094-6

Kourakos, V., Rambaud, P., Chabane, S., Pierrat, D., & Buchlin, J. (2009). Two-phase flow modelling within expansion and contraction singularities. Computational Methods in Multiphase Flow V, 63, 27. https://doi.org/10.2495/MPF090031

Lin, S., Kwok, C., Li, R. Y., Chen, Z. H., & Chen, Z. Y. (1991). Local frictional pressure drop during vaporization of R-12 through capillary tubes. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 17(1), 95-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9322(91)90072-B

Liu, C., Gao, Y. S., Dong, X. R., Wang, Y. Q., Liu, J. M., Zhang, Y. N., Cai, X. S., & Gui, N. (2019), Third generation of vortex identification methods: Omega and Liutex/Rortex based systems. Journal of Hydrodynamics, 31, 205-223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42241-019-0022-4

Liu, C., Wang, Y., Yang, Y., & Duan, Z. (2016). New omega vortex identification method. Science China Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy, 59, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11433-016-0022-6

Mandhane, J., Gregory, G., & Aziz, K. (1974). A flow pattern map for gas—liquid flow in horizontal pipes. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 1(4), 537-553. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9322(74)90006-8

McAdams, W., Woods, W., & Heroman Jr, L. (1942). Vaporization inside horizontal tubes—II benzene-oil mixtures. Transactions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 64(3), 193-199. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4019013

Mishima, K., & Hibiki, T. (1996). Some characteristics of air-water two-phase flow in small diameter vertical tubes. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 22(4), 703-712. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9322(96)00010-9

Monni, G., De Salve, M., & Panella, B. (2014). Horizontal two-phase flow pattern recognition. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 59, 213-221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2014.04.010

Moreno Quiben, J. (2005). Experimental and analytical study of two-phase pressure drops during evaporation in horizontal tubes. EPFL.

Ong, C. L., & Thome, J. (2011). Macro-to-microchannel transition in two-phase flow: Part 1–Two-phase flow patterns and film thickness measurements. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 35(1), 37-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2010.08.004

Padilla, M., Revellin, R., & Bonjour, J. (2013). Two-phase flow of HFO-1234yf, R-134a and R-410A in sudden contractions: Visualization, pressure drop measurements and new prediction method. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 47, 186-205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2013.01.015

Patra, S. K., Roul, M. K., Satapathy, P. K., & Barik, A. K. (2021). Fluid dynamics and pressure drop prediction of two-phase flow through sudden contractions. Journal of Fluids Engineering, 143(9), 091401. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4050962

Quibén, J. M., & Thome, J. R. (2007a). Flow pattern based two-phase frictional pressure drop model for horizontal tubes, Part II: New phenomenological model. International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 28(5), 1060-1072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatfluidflow.2007.01.004

Quibén, J. M., & Thome, J. R. (2007b). Flow pattern based two-phase frictional pressure drop model for horizontal tubes. Part I: Diabatic and adiabatic experimental study. International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 28(5), 1049-1059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatfluidflow.2007.01.003

Roul, M. K., & Dash, S. K. (2011). Two‐phase pressure drop caused by sudden flow area contraction/expansion in small circular pipes. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids, 66(11), 1420-1446. https://doi.org/10.1002/fld.2322

Schmidt, J., & Friedel, L. (1997). Two-phase pressure drop across sudden contractions in duct areas. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 23(2), 283-299. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-9322(96)00056-0

Shannak, B. A. (2008). Frictional pressure drop of gas liquid two-phase flow in pipes. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 238(12), 3277-3284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2008.08.015

Song, X., Ma, J., Li, Y., Sun, X., & Zhao, Y. (2023). Analysis of the flow phenomenon of fluid undergoing a sudden contraction to an annular gap. Physics of Fluids, 35(9). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0169034

Taitel, Y., & Dukler, A. E. (1976). A model for predicting flow regime transitions in horizontal and near horizontal gas‐liquid flow. AIChE Journal, 22(1), 47-55. https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.690220105

Vallée, C., Höhne, T., Prasser, H.-M., & Sühnel, T. (2008). Experimental investigation and CFD simulation of horizontal stratified two-phase flow phenomena. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 238(3), 637-646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2007.02.051

Zahedi, R., & Rad, A. B. (2022) Numerical and experimental simulation of gas-liquid two-phase flow in 90-degree elbow. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 61(3):, 2536-2550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2021.07.011

Zeghloul, A., Azzi, A., Hasan, A., & Azzopardi, B. J. (2018). Behavior and pressure drop of an upwardly two-phase flow through multi-hole orifices. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 232(18), 3281-3299. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954406217736081

Zeghloul, A., Azzi, A., Saidj, F., Messilem, A., & Azzopardi, B. J. (2017). Pressure drop through orifices for single-and two-phase vertically upward flow—implication for metering. Journal of Fluids Engineering, 139(3), 031302. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4034758

Zeghloul, A., Bouyahiaoui, H., Azzi, A., Hasan, A. H., & Al-sarkhi, A. (2020). Experimental investigation of the vertical upward single-and two-phase flow pressure drops through gate and ball valves. Journal of Fluids Engineering, 142(2), 021401. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4044833

Zhang, Y. N., Wang, X. Y., Zhang, Y. N., & Liu, C. (2019). Comparisons and analyses of vortex identification between Omega method and Q criterion. Journal of Hydrodynamics, 31, 224-230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42241-019-0025-1

Zhang, Y., He, C., & Li, P. (2021). Numerical investigation of gas-liquid two-phase flow in horizontal pipe with orifice plate. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 138, 103801. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2021.103801