Experimental study on gas-liquid-liquid three-phase flow patterns and the resultant pressure drop in a horizontal pipe upstream of the 90° bend. (23rd November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yaqub, Muhammad Waqas; Rusli, Risza; Pendyala, Rajashekhar
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 226(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-23
• Subjects: Flow patterns -- Pressure drop -- Three-phase flow; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115848
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Highlights: Three-phase horizontal flow patterns upstream of 90˚ bend. Flow regime maps and flow pattern transition. Pressure drop variation with the change in superficial velocities. Pressure drop correlations for the slug, stratified wavy and stratified flow patterns. Abstract: The use of 90˚ bend for diversion of flow in different orientations is widespread. The current study is focused on the effect of 90˚ bend on gas-oil–water three-phase flow in an upstream horizontal pipe. The diameter of the test section is 0.1524 m, and (R/d) ratio of the bend is 1. The ranges of superficial velocities of gas, oil, and water were 0.5–5, 0.08–0.36, and 0.08–0.36 m/s, respectively. The observed gas–liquid flow patterns are slug, pseudo-slug, stratified wavy, stratified roll wave, and stratified flow. The oil and water were observed to be flowing as a separate, partially mixed, and fully mixed liquid. Flow regime maps have been plotted to analyze the transition of flow patterns. The variation in pressure drop with the flow patterns has been studied. The experimental data has been used to develop pressure drop prediction correlation and the comparison with experimental results showed good agreement.