Experimental Investigation on Disturbance Wave Velocity and Frequency in Air-Water Horizontal Annular Flow

Abstract

The wave characteristics of horizontal air-water annular two-phase flow in 16 and 26-mm-diameter pipe were investigated experimentally using flush-mounted constant electric current method (CECM) sensors and visual observations. The air and water superficial velocities were varied from 12 to 40 m/s and 0.05 to 0.2 m/s, respectively. The flow morphology of annular flow such as the disturbance wave, ripple, wave coalescence, wave development, entrainment, and breakup could be observed. Using cross correlation and power spectral density functions of liquid holdup signals, the wave velocity and frequency were determined. The effect of superficial liquid velocity on the wave velocity and frequency was found to be less significant compared to that of superficial gas velocity. Simple correlations for wave velocity and frequency were also developed.