Multiphase Flows 10.1 Fundamentals of Multiphase FlowsMultiphase flow is the kind of flow that occurs most frequently in nature and technology. The concept of a phase is to be understood in the thermodynamic sense as a solid, liquid, or gaslike state that can occur simultaneously in one-component or many-component systems. Storm clouds drifting with rain drops and hailstones, a burbling stream in the mountains, a snow-dust avalanche, and the cloud of a volcano are impressive examples of multiphase flows in nature.In power station and chemical technology, multiphase flows are often an important method of heat and material transport. Two-phase flows determine the processes in steam generators, condensators, and cooling towers of steam power stations. Multiphase multicomponent flows are used in the extraction, the transport, and the treatment of oil and natural gas. These types of flows are also greatly involved in distillation and rectification processes in chemical industry.