Improved One-Dimensional Models for Rapid Emptying and Filling of Pipelines

Abstract

Improved one-dimensional (1D) models—compared to previous work by the authors—are proposed which are able to predict the velocity, length, and position of the liquid column in the rapid emptying and filling of a pipeline. The models include driving pressure and gravity, skin friction and local drag, and holdup at the tail and gas intrusion at the front of the liquid column. Analytical and numerical results are validated against each other, and against experimental data from a large-scale laboratory setup.