Multi-dimensional gas-liquid two-phase flow in vertical large-diameter channels

Shen, X.*; Schlegel, J. P.*; 日引 俊*; 中村 秀夫

Proceedings of 2017 Japan-US Seminar on Two-Phase Flow Dynamics (JUS 2017), 6 Pages, 2017/06

Large-diameter (D) channels are extensively used to increase the mass, momentum and heat transport capability of working fluid. Comparing with small-D pipes, two-phase flows in large-D channels show quite different and more complicated flow characteristics, since much larger cap bubbles can exist and interfacial instability prevents the cap bubbles from forming a large stable Taylor bubble. Flow regimes and radial void fraction profiles are also different from those in small-D pipes especially in cap/slug flow regime. The relative velocities between phases are greatly increased. This paper reviews recent progresses in the researches on two-phase flows in large-D channels. The state-of-the-art tool of four-sensor probe may enable classification of two-group bubbles by the measurement of bubble diameter instead of bubble chord length. Databases and most of the updated constitutive equations that cover flow regime transition criteria, drift-flux correlations, interfacial area concentration (IAC) correlations and one- and two-group interfacial area transport equation(s) are summarized and analyzed. Typical multi-dimensional characteristics of flows in large-D channels are presented and their one-dimensional numerical simulations are reviewed. Finally the future research directions are suggested.