Quasi-3D Modelling of Two-Phase Slug Flow in Pipes

Abstract

In this paper, we present progress obtained by the Quasi 3-Dimensional (Q3D) model for pipe flows. This model is based on a multi-fluid multi-field formulation with construction and tracking of the large-scale interfaces (LSIs). The computational time is significantly reduced compared to full 3D by using a specially adopted sliceaveraging technique. However, the slice-averaging generates new terms in the model equations. These terms are related to important mechanisms such as wall shear stress and turbulence production at side walls. We present some basic performance tests of the Q3D model, including single phase wall friction and the velocities of single Taylor bubbles at inclinations ranging from horizontal to vertical. Finally we report the performance of the model for slug flow in horizontal and 10°inclined pipes. The model reproduces the experimental data satisfactorily for both cases in a very short simulation time compared to full 3D.

Numerical validation of gas-liquid slug flow inside horizontal pipe

“…The authors would like to acknowledge that this research is funded by Malaysia Ministry of Grant 0153AB-L03, Petroliam NasionalBerhad PETRONAS via The authors would like to acknowledge that this research is funded by Malaysia Ministry of L03, Petroliam NasionalBerhad PETRONAS via 3,5 …”

“…Nevertheless, these correlationsprovided valuable background information such as the fluid properties, flow regime observations, geometry and various underlying assumptions [1]. Apart from that, several numerical investigation on slug or intermittent flow regimes in the horizontal pipelines reported [2][3][4][5][6] that the flow behavior and patterns could be predicted using commercial CFD models. Due to faster computing facilities nowadays, the calculation of package has become more powerful and efficient tool than pure experimental investigation for understanding complex behavior of transient multiphase flow inpipelines [7].…”

CFD Simulations of Multiphase Flows Containing Large Scale Interfaces and Dispersed Phases with Selected Production Technology Applications

“…The basic model concepts and numerical methods have been described elsewhere before (Laux et al 2007;2008a;2008b;Ashrafian et al 2011;Mo et al 2014). A multi-field concept is applied, where massand momentum equations are set up for all continuous and dispersed fields in question.…”

Numerical simulation of two-phase flow regime in horizontal pipeline and its validation

“…The second technique, the initial condition was set in such a way that the gas-liquid volume fraction has a 50-50 share in volume with only liquid occupying the bottom of the pipeline and gas phase filling the top of the liquid surface. This implicitly implied that the starting condition is the stratified gas and liquid two-phase flow with zero velocity (Frank, 2005; Ghorai and Nigam, 2006; Lu et al , 2007; Lu, 2015; Mo et al , 2014). The initial and boundary conditions of gas and liquid in horizontal pipe are demonstrated schematically in Figure 3.…”