The Effect of Liquid Superficial Velocity on Two-Phase Air-Water Slug Flow in a Horizontal Pipe Using High-Speed Camera

Resky Gerhana Hidayatullah, Syaiful Tambah Putra Ahmad, Akhmad Afandi, Khasani Khasani, Jusnita Jusnita, Deendarlianto Deendarlianto

Abstract


Abstract: This study examines the impact of liquid superficial velocity (JL) on liquid slug length in two-phase air-water flow within a horizontal pipe. Experiments utilizing high-speed imaging were conducted to analyze slug length at different JL values while maintaining a constant gas superficial velocity (JG). Results show that increasing JL reduces slug length due to enhanced shear forces and turbulent interactions between the gas and liquid phases. At low JL, slugs are longer and exhibit high inter-slug variation, whereas at high JL, slugs become shorter and more uniform. Analysis of the slug length distribution reveals that the log-normal probability density function (PDF) effectively represents the trend, particularly at high JL, where slug fragmentation is more pronounced. The empirical model developed accurately predicts slug length, with most data falling within a ±25% error margin. Additionally, the average liquid slug length is 60% smaller than the maximum length and will never exceed this value, while the minimum slug length can decrease up to 630% of the average. These findings provide new insights into slug flow dynamics and offer valuable reference points for future studies on two-phase gas-liquid flow.

Keywords


Two Phase Flow; Slug Flow; Slug Length; Superficial Velocity.

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References


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