Analysis of Wave Breaking in Pipe Flow Using Image Processing Technique

Abstract

AbstractIn gas–liquid two-phase horizontal pipe flow, several types of flow regimes are found; one of them is the intermittent flow regime associated with pressure fluctuations in the pipeline. The slug flow regime occurs in a pipeline when a wavy interface already exists, and the wave-breaking phenomenon occurs. The formation of slugs can cause oil and gas pipeline failure. Thus, the interfacial analysis of wave breaking is done using the image processing technique to understand the phenomenon in this work. The wave breaking has been classified based on the liquid height and air entrainment. In addition, the prediction of wave break is also discussed with the help of obtained signal of the wavy flow regime. The present work also shows that the wave breaking is influenced by two parameters, liquid level, and air velocity. Further, the interfacial analysis of the wavy flow regime depicts that the pressure variation over the wavy surface and interfacial shear stress plays a significant role in wave breaking.KeywordsTwo-phase flowWave breakingSlug flowRoll wavesImage processing technique