Abstract
In the petrochemical industry, multiphase flow, including oil–water two-phase stratified laminar flow, is more common and can be easily obtained through mathematical analysis. However, there is limited mathematical analytical model for the simulation of oil–water flow under turbulent flow. This paper introduces a two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulation method to investigate the pressure gradient, flow field, and oil–water interface height of a pipeline cross-section of horizontal tube in an oil–water stratified smooth flow. Three Reynolds average N–S equation models (k−ε, k−ω, SST k−ω) are involved to simulate oil–water stratified smooth flow according to the finite volume method. The pressure gradient and oil–water interface height can be computed according to the given volume flow rate using the iteration method. The predicted result of oil–water interface height and velocity profile by the model fit well with several published experimental data, except that there is a large error in pressure gradient. The SST k−ω turbulence model appears higher accuracy for simulating oil–water two-phase stratified flow in a horizontal pipe.
Highlights
In petroleum transportation, the oil–water two-phase flow is very economic and common technique [1]
Pressure gradient is an important basis for designing the wall thickness of pipelines and pressure vessels
Accurate prediction of the velocity field of the pipeline cross-section is helpful for controlling flow assurance issues, such as wax deposition [4], hydrate formation [5], pipeline corrosion [6], etc
Summary
The oil–water two-phase flow is very economic and common technique [1]. The pressure gradient, oil–water interface height, and velocity field are important factors to design the pipe [2] and separator [3]. Pressure gradient is an important basis for designing the wall thickness of pipelines and pressure vessels. Oil–water interface height is used to design the carrying capacity of downstream facilities. In order to optimize piping design and equipment operating parameters, two-phase flow has been widely studied. There are multiple flow patterns in oil–water pipe flow, such as stratified flow, dispersed flow, and annular flow, for different fluid properties and flow conditions. The calculation of oil–water interface height, pressure gradient, and velocity field involve solving the pipeline two-phase hydrodynamic model
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
