Pressure Signal Analysis for the Characterization of High-Viscosity Two-Phase Flows in Horizontal Pipes

Abstract

We study a high-viscosity two-phase flow through an analysis of the corresponding pressure signals. In particular, we investigate the flow of a glycerin–air mixture moving through a horizontal pipeline with a U-section installed midway along the pipe. Different combinations of liquid and air mass flow rates are experimentally tested. Then, we examine the moments of the statistical distributions obtained from the resulting pressure time series, in order to highlight the significant dynamical traits of the flow. Finally, we propose a novel correlation with two dimensionless parameters: the Euler number and a mass-flow-rate ratio to predict the pressure gradient in high-viscosity two-phase flow. Distinctive variations of the pressure gradients are observed in each section of the pipeline, which suggest that the local flow dynamics must not be disregarded in favor of global considerations.

Experimental Investigation and Numerical Modeling of Two-Phase Flow Development and Flow-Induced Vibration of a Multi-Plane Subsea Jumper

“…As a jumper consists of several straight pipes and elbows, some conclusions and methods for investigating the flow and vibration patterns of those structures are still applicable to the jumper. The effect of flow parameters and pipe geometry on the twophase flow patterns in horizontal straight pipes, especially the slug flow, has been widely analyzed by experimental and numerical methods in Carvalho, et al [2], Bamidele, et al [3], Orres, et al [4], Xu et al [5], Baumann, et al [6], and Dinayanto, et al [7]. The related stress analysis for gas-liquid flow inside a straight pipe and the application of fluid-structure coupling to model the vibration response have also been mentioned in previous studies by Mohmmed, et al [8] and Al-Hashimy, et al [9].…”