Liquid–solid separation phenomena of two-phase turbulent flow in curved pipes

Abstract

The present study is to contribute some knowledge of phase separation phenomena of liquid–solid two-phase turbulent flow in curved pipes and provide a basis for the invention and development of a new type of curved pipe separator. Firstly, the solid–liquid two-phase flows in two-dimensional (2D) curved channels were numerically simulated using a two-way coupling Euler–Lagrangian scheme. Phase distribution characteristics of 2D curved channel two-phase flow were examined under conditions of different particle size, liquid flowrate and coil curvature. Based on the numerical results, the dynamic effects and contributions to phase separation of particle-subjected forces, including centrifugal force, drag force, pressure gradient force, gravity force, buoyancy force, virtual mass force and lift force, were exposed by kinematic and dynamic analysis along particle trajectories. Secondly, measurement of particle size and concentration profiles in helically coiled tube two-phase flow was conducted using a nonintrusive Malvern 2600 particle sizer based on laser diffraction. Particle size and concentration distribution characteristics of helically coiled tube two-phase flow and the effect of secondary flow on phase separation were analyzed based on experimental data.