International Journal of Multiphase Flow, Vol.23, No.4, 725-748, 1997
A Unified Model for Stratified-Wavy 2-Phase Flow Splitting at a Reduced T-Junction with an Inclined Branch Arm
Stratified-wavy two-phase flow splitting at a reduced T-junction with an inclined branch arm has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. Experimental data have been acquired with the reduced branch arm inclined at horizontal, downward inclination angles of -5 degrees, -10 degrees, -25 degrees, -40 degrees and -60 degrees and upward inclination angles of 1 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees. The data reveal that for the case of a downward branch arm configuration the high gas velocity in the reduced branch arm and the gravity effects tend to increase the liquid flowing into the branch, as compared to the horizontal case. For upward inclinations of the branch arm, gravity forces tend to reduce the liquid flow into the branch. Comparison between published experimental data for a regular tee and the present data for a reduced tee for the different inclination angles is also presented. A unified model has been developed for the prediction of the splitting phenomenon for the horizontal, upward and downward orientations of the reduced branch arm. The model is based on the momentum balance equations applied for the separation streamlines of the gas phase and liquid phase. Comparison between the model predictions and experimental data shows good agreement with respect to the general trend and shape of the splitting curves and reasonable agreement with respect to the absolute values.
Keywords:2-PHASE FLOW;HORIZONTAL INLET