Computational fluid dynamics modelling of multiphase flows in double elbow geometries

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of elbow on the transition and development of multiphase flow using computational fluid dynamics modelling techniques. The Eulerian - Multifluid VOF model coupled with an Interfacial Area Transport Equation has been employed to simulate air-water two-phase flow in a pipe with two standard 90 degree elbows mounted in series. Turbulence effects were accounted for by the RNG k-ε model. The effects of separation distance on two-phase flow development have been studied for initial slug and churn flow regimes. Computational fluid dynamics simulation results of phase distribution and time series of void fraction fluctuations were obtained and they showed good agreement with available experimental data. The results show that for initial slug flow regime, there is no flow regime transformation upstream and downstream of the two elbows. While at initial churn flow regime, flow regime transformation occurs at different sections of the flow domain before and after the two elbows. It was noticed that irrespective of the flow regime, the amplitudes and frequencies of void fraction fluctuation become smaller as the fluid flows along the pipe. Changes in the separation distance between the two elbows have larger effects on the flow at churn flow regime.