Effect of Sudden Expansion on Two-Phase Flow in a Horizontal Pipe

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental investigation of two-phase liquid-gas flow across a sudden expanded diameter in a horizontal pipe. A closed flow loop having a transparent pipe was designed and constructed to investigate the dynamics of slug flow at the sudden expanded area. Using High Speed Photography, the horizontal water jet characteristics were investigated for both single and two-phase flow. Bubble velocity in expanded region is quantified and depends strongly on both liquid and gas flowrates. Using image analysis, the bubble burst phenomenon is described and liquid film thickness is estimated. The flow regime map and corresponding flow patterns in expanded area are established. The measurements presented in this study provide fundamental insights into the influence of the sudden expansion on two phase liquid-gas flow behaviors.