Effect of Void Fraction on Pressure Drop in Upward Vertical Two-Phase Gas-Liquid Pipe Flow

Abstract

Experimental data for void fraction and two-phase frictional pressure drop from various sources has been compiled and analyzed. The experimental data revealed that at lower range of superficial gas velocity and void fraction, the variations of two-phase frictional pressure drop with superficial gas velocity and void fraction are relatively flat. However, as superficial gas velocity and void fraction increase to higher values, the frictional pressure drop became significantly sensitive to the two parameters. In a situation when two-phase pressure drop is sensitive to the variation of void fraction, it is then that proper and accurate characterization of void fraction becomes significant. From the experimental data, regions where pressure drop is sensitive to the variation of void fraction are identified and evaluated.