The effect of surfactants on air–water annular and churn flow in vertical pipes. Part 1: Morphology of the air–water interface

Abstract

In this work, the influence of surfactants on air–water flow was studied by performing experiments in a 12 metre long, 50mm inner diameter, vertical pipe at ambient conditions. High-speed visualisation of the flow shows that the morphology of the air–water interface determines the formation of foam. The foam subsequently alters the flow morphology significantly. In annular flow, the foam suppresses the roll waves, and a foamy crest is formed on the ripple waves. In the churn flow regime, the flooding waves and the downwards motion of the liquid film are suppressed by the foam. The foam is transported in foam waves moving upwards superposed on an almost stagnant foam substrate at the pipe wall. Foam thus effectively reduces the superficial gas velocity at which the transition from annular to churn flow occurs. These experiments make more clear how surfactants can postpone liquid loading in vertical pipes, such as in gas wells.