A novel approach to modelling transient slug flow is presented. Aspects of current physical descriptions of slug flow, required as closure laws forthe models are brieflyreviewed. It is demonstrated how the dynamics of large scale changes in slug flow may be simulated. by incorporating a unit cell type of slug flow model into numerical transient two-fluid models.

Two-phase pipelines offer the potential for substantial cost savings in the offshore transport of hydrocarbons. Their design has been hampered by uncertainties in two-phase pressure drop relations, in flow regime determination, and in liquid slug length prediction. This uncertainty makes difficult the choice of pipe size and the design of downstream separation facilities. In order to reduce the uncertainty in two-phase flow pipeline design, Esso, Statoil, Mobil, Texaco, and Getty have sponsored the construction of the Norwegian Two-Phase Flow Laboratory now being operated by SINTEF. A large pipeline-riser expe imental facility has bee constructed to obtain laboratory quality data in a field scale apparatus. In addition, analytical modeling о two-phase flow is proceeding to provide a framework for interpretation of the experimental measurements. The experimental facility, results of experimental measuremen s, and analytica modeling techniques are described. The two-phase flow data and analysis resulting from this project promise to reduce substantially the uncertainty in the design of two-phase pipelines and downstream separation facilities.

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