Theory for electric charging in turbulent pipe flow

Abstract

Basec on somewhat simplified profiles of turbulent eddy diffusivity and mean vcLacity in turbulent flow, an expression is derived for the convection current in a pipe where electrification occurs at the wall. The expression is in explicit analytic form, and applies for all turbulent Reynolds numbers and all fluid conductivities, from conditions where the Debye length is small compared with the diffusion sublayer (typical aqueous solutions) to conditions where the Debye length is large compared with the sublayer (typical liquid hydrocarbons).