Influences of particle micro behavior on gas-hydrate slurry flow pattern in pipeline

Abstract

To investigate the influence mechanism of the particle micro behaviors on the gas-hydrate slurry flow pattern. An integrated model coupled with computational fluid dynamic model and population balance model was established. The rheological model was adopted to reflect the variation of hydrate viscosity with particle size. The results indicate that the stratified wave flow will transition to stratified smooth flow with agglomeration intensifying. The particle diameter increases from 142 to 293 μm, which strengthens the stratified flow stability. In slug flow, more particles aggregate in slug body and thereby enhance the collision frequency, which promotes the coalescence efficiency. The viscosity and density of hydrate slurry will escalate, which can weaken and restrain the slug flow. As to annular flow, particles deposit around the pipe wall where the maximum volume fraction of hydrate increases to 0.362, hence the affinity will be greater and the liquid film can be easier to form.