New Diagram for Prediction of Two Phase Flow

Ir. Martin F.G. van der Jagt5 jan 2010

The Baker-Plot is the most used plot for the prediction of Two-Phase Flow patterns.

An amazing disadvantage of this plot is the fact that the parameters along the axis are not dimensionless! So the boundaries for the patterns will change location depending on gas-and liquid properties and the tube dimensions.

Starting in 1971 I tried to understand the Flow-patterns in horizontal Evaporator tubes of refrigeration plants. I first started to use the Baker-Plot, but discovered the problem.

I created a new plot based on dimensionless parameters.

I published the results at the 1975 XIV International Congress of Refrigeration in Moscow.

In 2000 I discovered that me young colleges were still using the Baker-Plot.

In this presentation I will introduce the New Two-Phaseflow prediction Plot

Conclusions

• The new Plot gives a better prediction of flowpaterns, even for non adiabatic flows

• The Grønerrud data are for non adibatic flow, which declares a lesser fit

λ Parameter in the Baker-Plot

Ψ Parameter in the Baker-Plot

Symbols(1)

ρ = density kg/m3

σ = surface tension N/m

Φm = massflowrate kg/s

η = dynamic viscosity kg/(m.s)

D = tubediameter m

Symbols (2)

Fr = Froude number

Wb = Weber number

= VG2/(g.D)

= D.ρG.VG2/σ

ReG = Reynolds number for the gas = ρ.D.VG/η

V = velocity m/s

VG = defined as ΦG/A

A = surface of tube cross-section m2

g = acceleration of gravity m/s2

Indices

L = Liquid

G = Gas

Literature(1):

1. O. Baker. Simultaneous flow of oil and gas. The Oil and Gas Journal 1954

2. H.H. Schicht. Experimentelle Untersuchungen an der adiabatischen Zweiphasenstromung Wasser-Luft in einem horizontalen Rohr. PhD Thesis 1970 TH Zurich.

Literature(2)

3. H.H. Schicht. Experimentelle Untersuchungen an der adiabatischen Zweiphasenstroming Wasser-Luft in einem horizontalen Rohr. Thesis 1970. TH Zurich.

4. D.P. Traviss, W.M. Rohsenow. Flow regimes in horizontal two-phase flow with condensation. ASHREA Transactions 1973. No. 2279 RP-63.