Analyses of liquid film models applied to horizontal and near horizontal gas–liquid slug flows

• Published in: Chemical engineering science Vol. 65; no. 12; pp. 3876 - 3892
• Main Authors: Mazza, R.A., Rosa, E.S., Yoshizawa, C.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 15.06.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bubble shape; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid mechanics; Horizontal; Hydrodynamics of contact apparatus; Liquid films; Liquids; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical modeling; Mathematical models; Multiphase flow; Numerical analysis; Slug flow; Slug flow modeling; Slugs; Fluid mechanics; Mathematical modeling; Numerical analysis; Slug flow modeling; Bubble shape; Multiphase flow; Liquid film; Viscosity; Sensitivity analysis; Momentum; Modeling; Design; Holdup; Bubble; Surveillance; Morphology; Numerical simulation; Slug flow
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2010.03.035

An analysis of liquid film models for horizontal and near horizontal gas–liquid slug flows is developed. The models’ formulations employ the one dimensional separated phase momentum equations. The formulations differ among themselves, by neglecting some terms on the momentum balance and also on the closure relations. A comparative analysis discloses the differences amongst the formulations. The sensitivity of the liquid film models to the changes on the bubble velocity, liquid slug holdup and liquid viscosity is accessed through a series of parametric runs. Finally, the model is tested against experimental data taken for continuous horizontal slug flow. The tests were designed to check if the models are able to capture the stochastic film properties provided the properly closure relations.