Two-phase Flow and Heat Transfer (ME 657)

Lecture 1

Introduction to Multiphase Flow

by

Dr. Dipankar N. Basu

Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engg. IIT Guwahati, Guwahati 781039

Course Outline
Importance & applications of multiphase flow Fundamentals of two-phase flow Basic definitions & conservation equations Comparison with single-phase systems Identification of flow patterns Mathematical modeling Homogeneous flow, Separated flow & Drift flux models Simplified treatment of different flow regimes Boiling heat transfer Classifications: Pool & Flow boiling Boiling curve Bubble nucleation & boiling crisis Condensation heat transfer: Drop-wise & Film-wise condensation Simple modeling & analysis Measurement of two-phase parameters

Multiphase Flow Systems: Some Examples

Examples of gas-liquid flow

Multiphase Flow Systems: Some Examples

Liquid-liquid flow

Gas-solid flow

Multiphase Flow Systems: Some Examples

Multiphase Flow Systems: Some Examples

Unique Features of Two-phase Flow

Analysis of two-phase flow is distinctly different from its single-phase counter-part because of numerous factors, some of which are mentioned below. Presence of multiple (possibly), deformable and moving interface Drastic change in fluid properties across the interface Possible compressible nature of one or all the phases (particularly when gaseous medium is involved) Involvement of several length and time scales Strong dependence of the nature of flow stream on geometrical orientation, method of initiating the flow and local condition Different nature of interaction of phases with boundaries (walls) Very high heat transfer coefficient associated with boiling and condensation processes Susceptibility of systems towards instabilities and fluctuations

Appearance of Different Flow Regimes

Two-phase Flow and Heat Transfer (ME 657)

Lecture 2

Two-phase Flow Regimes

by

Dr. Dipankar N. Basu

Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engg. IIT Guwahati, Guwahati 781039

Flow Regimes in Vertical Adiabatic Flow (Upward)

These are the most common types of flow regimes appearing with increasing fraction of lighter phase in the mixture.

Flow Regimes in Vertical Adiabatic Flow (Downward)

Bubbly flow

Slug flow

Falling film flow

Bubbly falling Churn flow Dispersed film flow annular flow

Flow Regimes in Horizontal Adiabatic Flow

Gravity plays a dominating role in deciding the flow regime for horizontal and inclined tubes.

Flow Regimes in Horizontal Adiabatic Flow

All possible flow regimes may not appear under every twophase flow situation. Nature of the flow regime depends strongly on local flow characteristics, including the relative fraction of individual phases, phasic velocities, interfacial properties etc. It is also possible to have different transition regimes dominating the flow domain.

Flow Regimes in Vertical Diabatic Flow

Drop/Mist flow (appears only in heated channels)

Here the location identified as x=0 signifies the position of boiling boundary calculated considering Thermodynamic equilibrium. However, due to the presence of nonequilibrium subcooled boiling, small amount of vapour generation can takes place prior to this point. x=1 similarly identifies the equilibrium location of the end of boiling.
Rate of heat addition and hence dx/dz plays a crucial role in determining the presence or absence of any particular flow pattern in diabatic channels.

Flow Regimes in Horizontal Diabatic Flow

Flow Pattern Map for Vertical Flow (Hewitt & Roberts, 1969)

This map was developed for low-pressure air-water and high-pressure steam-water upward flow through small diameter (1-3 cm) tubes. This is not the most accurate presentation & serves mostly as a rough guide.

Flow Pattern Map for Horizontal Flow (Baker, 1954)

Unified Flow Pattern Map (Taitel & Dukler, 1976)

Flow Pattern Map for Vertical Down-flow (Oshimowo & Charles, 1974)
This map was generated for air & different liquids in a channel of 2.54 cm diameter at 172 kPa pressure.