Detailed Flow Field Analysis of High Viscosity Oil-Air Slug Flow

Taewoo Kim, Research Assistant, Ph.D. Student


The main objectives of this project are, first, to explore the validity of the assumptions in slug flow mechanistic models in presence of highly viscous oils (140 cP < μO < 1100 cP) in horizontal pipes. These assumptions being questioned are the fully developed flow and the phase coherency in the liquid phase for the slug body. Secondary objective is the exploration of flow structures and shear stresses within the slug unit. A new set of experiments are carried out in 50.8-mm (2-in.) ID horizontal pipe with the newly installed Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) instrumentation. PIV is an optical method of flow visualization using tracer particles and laser. The fluid with entrained particles is illuminated so the particles are visible. Additionally, the existing equipment such as capacitance sensors, pressure transducers, and differential pressure transducers are also employed to investigate a whole of slug flow characteristics such as pressure drop, liquid holdup, translational velocity, slug length and slug frequency.

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