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Numerical Slug Flow Model of Curved Pipes with Experimental Validation
Shuzhe Shi1, Xiaodong Wu1, Guoqing Han1
1College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum at Beijing, Beijing 102249, China.
ACS Omega
|September 26, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a new transient slug flow model for curved pipes, crucial for chemical transport. The model accurately predicts pressure and liquid holdup, validated by experiments, ensuring flow assurance.
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Chemical Engineering
- Pipeline Transport
Background:
- Gas-liquid two-phase flow is critical for chemical transportation flow assurance and stability.
- Curved pipe sections present unique challenges in modeling flow dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a transient slug flow model specifically for curved pipes.
- To improve the simulation speed and ease of analyzing flow parameters in curved pipelines.
Main Methods:
- Developed a four-equation transient slug flow model incorporating mass and momentum balances.
- Simplified the coordinate system from 2D rectangular to 1D polar for enhanced simulation efficiency.
- Conducted experimental validation using three different pipe curvatures under identical conditions.
Main Results:
- The model accurately calculates transient pressure profiles, real-time pressure, and liquid holdup.
- Experimental validation showed good agreement with model predictions.
- Pressure errors were predominantly within 10%, and liquid holdup errors within 0.1.
Conclusions:
- The proposed transient slug flow model is effective for curved pipes.
- The model's simplification enhances computational efficiency for flow assurance studies.
- Experimental validation confirms the model's reliability for predicting key flow parameters.
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