Modeling of Gas Liquid Taylor Flow in Capillaries by Using a Two Fluid Model

Abstract

This work proposes a two fluid model for predicting gas liquid Taylor flow in capillaries. The model is based on the hydrodynamics characteristics of Taylor bubbles and liquid slug. By considering a unit cell consisting of a bubble and a liquid slug as control volume, conservation of momentum equations for gas and liquid film is combined and solved with a set of empirical closure equations. We also propose a new expression for the interfacial friction factor, which takes the influences of surface tension, the liquid velocity and viscosity and the gas holdup into account. By combining this new expression with the two fluid model, we can calculate the hydrodynamic characteristics of gas–liquid Taylor flow in capillaries for different channels diameters and working fluids. The model is validated by experimental results reported in existing literature. Very good agreement can be observed, demonstrating its potential application in predicting the phenomena of Taylor flow in capillaries.