Flow mechanism of two‐phase annular flow

Abstract

Abstract A mechanism which accounts for the formation and maintenance of two‐phase annular flow in horizontal pipes is proposed and tested experimentally. Time‐average circumferential and axial components of the film velocity were measured. Dispersion of liquid in the circumferential and axial directions and the interchange of droplets between the liquid film and gas core was studied. A pseudo steady state model was derived to describe the dispersion processes. This model was used to predict the distribution of salt downstream from a point source of salt solution located in the annular film. Experimental measurements of salt conntration using an electrical conductivity probe were in cord with values predicted by the model.