To main content

Quasi-3D modelling of two-phase slug flow in pipes

Abstract

In this paper, we present progress obtained by the Quasi 3-Dimensional (Q3D) model for pipe flows. This model is based on a multi-fluid multi-field formulation with construction and tracking of the large-scale interfaces (LSIs). The computational time is significantly reduced compared to full 3D by using a specially adopted slice-averaging technique. However, the slice-averaging generates new terms in the model equations. These terms are related to important mechanisms such as wall shear stress and turbulence production at side walls. We present some basic performance tests of the Q3D model, including single phase wall friction and the velocities of single Taylor bubbles at inclinations ranging from horizontal to vertical. Finally we report the performance of the model for slug flow in horizontal and 10° inclined pipes. The model reproduces the experimental data satisfactorily for both cases in a very short simulation time compared to full 3D.

Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Industry / Process Technology
  • Weatherford Petroleum Consultants AS
  • TOTAL

Year

2014

Published in

Journal of Computational Multiphase Flows

ISSN

1757-482X

Publisher

Sage Publications

Volume

6

Issue

1

Page(s)

1 - 12

View this publication at Cristin