Simulation of large amplitude waves in a slug tracking scheme compared to roll wave experiments at high pressure

Abstract

Due to the similarities between large amplitude roll waves and slug flow in two-phase gas–liquid pipe flow, a slug tracking scheme is presented with the addition of a simplified model for roll waves. The waves are treated in a similar way to slugs, modelled as objects moving at the wave velocity and with a pressure variation across them. The two-fluid model is solved on a stationary staggered grid in stratified sections between moving waves and slugs. The model is dynamic meaning that the growth and decay of waves and slugs can be simulated. The wave model implementation within the tracking scheme is discussed and demonstrated in comparison to existing experimental data on wave velocities and averaged pressure drops. The results from the tracking scheme compared well to the experiments when waves were initiated with the experimental frequency. Wave initiation remains as a modelling challenge.