Pressure drop and holdup in horizontal slug flow

Abstract

Abstract The Dukler‐Hubbard slug‐flow model is used along with independent correlations for in situ holdup and slug frequency to predict pressure drops for two‐phase slug flow. The holdup and frequency correlations are for the most part based on data for air‐water flowing in a 1.50‐in. pipe. Predictions of pressure drop using this approach are compared with experimental data taken from studies utilizing various systems and pipes from 1.50 to 6.065 in. in diameter. Alternative correlations by Dukler and Hughmark for predicting two‐phase pressure drops and holdup, respectively, are included for comparison. In general, the present approach is at least equivalent to the Dukler‐Hughmark method, and for values of Δ P / L > 0.06 lb./sq. in./ft. appears to be slightly better.