Near-wall and interfacial studies of gas-liquid horizontal stratified flows
File(s)
Author(s)
Fazel, Mohammed
Type
Thesis
Abstract
In multiphase systems, the pressure drop and liquid holdup are two governing parameters which
heavily influence the design of downstream facilities and selection of pipeline sizes. In stratified
pipe flow, the determination of both these parameters requires an accurate prediction of the wall
and interfacial shear stresses.
In this report, a detailed literature review is presented in the research area of near-wall and
interfacial studies of gas-liquid stratified pipe flows. Gaps in literature concerning the
circumferential distribution of the wall and interfacial shear stresses are uncovered, and the
novelty element of future work is delineated in the context of laser-based diagnostic techniques.
Descriptions are provided on the recommissioning of the TOWER flow facility, which now
has the provision to perform gas-liquid flow experiments, from what was originally a liquid-liquid
only facility. A cooling system has also been incorporated to enable low-temperature two-phase
flow experiments
An adiabatic gas-liquid phase flow experiment was carried out using air and water as the
test fluids, in an 8.5m long, 50 mm internal diameter ETFE pipe. The water flow rate and air
flow rate used ranged from 5-65 L/min and 63- 375 L/min, respectively. Three Differential
Pressure transmitter (DP1, DP2, and DP3) were used to evaluate pressure gradient, and a highspeed
camera was used to observe the flow structure.
heavily influence the design of downstream facilities and selection of pipeline sizes. In stratified
pipe flow, the determination of both these parameters requires an accurate prediction of the wall
and interfacial shear stresses.
In this report, a detailed literature review is presented in the research area of near-wall and
interfacial studies of gas-liquid stratified pipe flows. Gaps in literature concerning the
circumferential distribution of the wall and interfacial shear stresses are uncovered, and the
novelty element of future work is delineated in the context of laser-based diagnostic techniques.
Descriptions are provided on the recommissioning of the TOWER flow facility, which now
has the provision to perform gas-liquid flow experiments, from what was originally a liquid-liquid
only facility. A cooling system has also been incorporated to enable low-temperature two-phase
flow experiments
An adiabatic gas-liquid phase flow experiment was carried out using air and water as the
test fluids, in an 8.5m long, 50 mm internal diameter ETFE pipe. The water flow rate and air
flow rate used ranged from 5-65 L/min and 63- 375 L/min, respectively. Three Differential
Pressure transmitter (DP1, DP2, and DP3) were used to evaluate pressure gradient, and a highspeed
camera was used to observe the flow structure.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2019-03
Date Awarded
2019-08
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
Advisor
Matar, Omar
Sponsor
Total
Publisher Department
Chemical Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)