A slug capturing method in unconventional scenarios: The 5ESCARGOTS code applied to non-Newtonian fluids, high viscous oils and complex geometries

Abstract

Abstract Previous work showed that a one-dimensional, hyperbolic, transient five-equation two-fluid model can predict automatically the formation, growth, and subsequent development of slugs in horizontal and near-horizontal flow. This method was implemented in a finite volume numerical scheme – called 5ESCARGOTS code. Comparison with experimental data showed that it can be used to predict the flow pattern and statistical characteristics (slug velocity, length, and frequency). However, the capabilities of this approach have been tested only for water-air flows in a straight horizontal pipe. In this work, we validate the application of the code to some unconventional problems. Firstly, we test the possibility of slug capturing approach to describe and predict the relevant features of air/high viscosity oils or air/non-Newtonian fluids flows. Comparisons between some slug characteristics and empirical correlations, available in literature, are discussed. Then, we move from simple geometries toward more complex conditions that may be representative of actual application cases, also employing high viscous oils as liquid phase. Comparison against experimental data shows results in reasonable agreement.