Flow behavior and phase distribution in two-phase flow around inverted U-bend.

Abstract

Experimental results are presented on the flow behavior, phase distribution, average void fraction and slip ratio in air-water two-phase mixture flowing through an inverted U-bend. The curved test section of transparent acrylic resin tubing with 24 mm I. D. was used, comprising a riser, an inverted U-bend with radius of 96 mm, and a downcomer. From the visual observation, a flow map was derived, which indicates the relation between the flow patterns and velocities. Distributions of local void fraction along a diameter lying in the central plane of the bend and over the whole cross section of bend tube were measured, and those distribution mechanisms were explained by the effect of centrifugal and gravitational forces. The average void fraction around the bend was obtained by numerical integration of the measured local void fraction, and the slip ratio was calculated using the average void fraction.