Phase distribution during gas—liquid flow through horizontal dividing junctions

Abstract

A model has been developed for the description and prediction of the phase distribution during gas—liquid flow with small liquid holdup values ( ε L < 0.06 ) through horizontal tubes with a horizontal branch. This so-called Double Stream Model has been derived from the steady-state macroscopic mechanical energy balance (extended Bernoulli equation), applied to the “inlet-to-run” stream and the “inlet-to-branch” stream of both the gas phase and the liquid phase. From the formulation of the Double Stream Model it follows that the branch liquid mass intake fraction λ L , which can be calculated according to the procedure given in appendix A, is a function of: • — the branch gas mass intake fraction λ G , • — the geometry of the junction, and • — the ratio κ of kinetic energies per unit of volume of gas and liquid respectively in the inlet. The value of κ, can be calculated from the densities and mass flow rates of gas and liquid, the liquid holdup and the velocity profiles of both gas and liquid in the inlet of the junction. The Double Stream Model has been verified with data obtained from experiments carried out at the University of Amsterdam and at institutes in Tulsa and Manitoba.