Slug Flow Analysis Using Dynamic Spectrum

Method in Caesar II Part 1 of 2

Few days ago I had posted an article on procedure of Slug Flow Analysis using Static
Methods. Click here to read the same. In this article I will explain the methods for
performing the slug flow analysis using dynamic methods.
For dynamic analysis Caesar II software provides a very nice module, dynamic
module where we have to simply provide the input parameters to get the output result. Before
you start the dynamic analysis you have to perform conventional static analysis of the system
(without using any slug force) and qualify the system from all criteria. To open the dynamic
module in Caesar II click on dynamic analysis button as shown in Fig.1.

Fig. 1: Opening the Dynamic Module in Caesar II

When you click on the dynamic analysis button following window (Fig.2) will open.
Select Slug Flow (Spectrum) from drop down menu. The window will be filled with some
pre-existing data. For clarity simply select all those and delete. Now we have to provide
inputs for analysis.

Fig. 2: Selecting Slug Flow Module in Caesar II

During dynamic analysis our first input will be the generation of spectrum profile.
Slug load is one type of impulse load. So the magnitude of load varies from zero to some
maximum value, remains constant for a time and then reduces to zero again. The force profile
can be represented by a curve as shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3: Graphical Representation of Slug Force Profile

So from the above profile it is clear that in addition to slug force (Refer Static method of
Slug Flow using Caesar II for calculation of slug force), we need to calculate two additional
parameters, a) Slug Duration and b) Slug Periodicity.
1. Slug Duration: Slug duration is defined as the time required for the slug to cross the
elbow. Mathematically it can be denoted as, Slug Duration=Length of Liquid
Slug/Velocity of Flow.
2. Slug Periodicity: Slug Periodicity can be defined as the time interval for two
consecutive slugs hitting the same elbow. So mathematically it can be denoted as, Slug
Periodicity = (Length of Liquid Slug + Length of Gas Slug)/Velocity of Flow.
Lets assume that the calculated slug duration is 8 milliseconds and periodicity is 400
milliseconds as shown in Fig. 3. We will use these data for generation of spectrum profile.
Now Refer Fig. 4 and input the data as mentioned below:

Fig.4: Generation of Spectrum Profile for Slug flow Analysis

When you click on Enter Pulse data it will open the window where we have to enter
the data for spectrum profile generation. From the above curve at time 0 the force is 2120 N
the same force will be active for next 8 milliseconds till the slug crosses the elbow. Then at
time 8.1 forces will be reduced to zero. And the same zero force will be there till 400
milliseconds. Then the next cycle will start. i.e, at time 400.1 seconds the force will be again
2120 N. That way enter data for at least two cycles as shown in Fig. 5:

Fig.5: Typical Spectrum Profile for Slug flow Analysis