Abstract

This is an experimental study on the flow characteristics of high-density gas-liquid systems with a focus on slug flow. Oil and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) were used as model fluids in an experimental loop that consisted of a 60-m long, 1-inch diameter pipe, with five measuring stations. Each measuring station has a pair of conductive sensors, a pressure sensor, and a temperature. The experimental procedure involved the controlled injection of oil and SF6 into the pipe, meant to mimic the conditions of high-density gas-liquid flows. The frequency of the slugs, bubble and slug lengths, and the bubble velocities were measured with the conductive sensors, whereas the images were taken with a high-speed camera. By systematically varying parameters such as flow rates and pressures, this study explored the details of the slug flow characteristics. The flow pattern transition and the slug flow parameters found experimentally were also compared with correlations and models previously published. Insights from this study may contribute to the development of more accurate models for predicting and optimizing high-density gas-liquid transport systems.

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