Simultaneous measurement of velocity profile and liquid film thickness in horizontal gas–liquid slug flow by using ultrasonic Doppler method

Horizontal gas-liquid two-phase flows widely exist in chemical engineering,oil/gas production and other important industrial processes.Slug flow pattern is the main form of horizontal gas-liquid flows and characterized by intermittent motion of film region and slug region.This work aims to develop the ultrasonic Doppler method to realize the simultaneous measurement of the velocity profile and liquid film thickness of slug flow.A single-frequency single-channel transducer is adopted in the design of the field-programmable gate array based ultrasonic Doppler system.A multiple echo repetition technology is used to improve the temporal-spatial resolution for the velocity profile.An experiment of horizontal gas-liquid two-phase flow is implemented in an acrylic pipe with an inner diameter of 20 mm.Considering the aerated characteristics of the liquid slug,slug flow is divided into low-aerated slug flow,high-aerated slug flow and pseudo slug flow.The temporal-spatial velocity distributions of the three kinds of slug flows are reconstructed by using the ultrasonic velocity profile measurement.The evolution characteristics of the average velocity profile in slug flows are investigated.A novel method is proposed to derive the liquid film thickness based on the instantaneous velocity profile.The liquid film thickness can be effectively measured by detecting the position and the size of the bubbles nearly below the elongated gas bubble.Compared with the time of flight method,the film thickness measured by the Doppler system shows a higher accuracy as a bubble layer occurs in the film region.The effect of the gas distribution on the film thickness is uncovered in three kinds of slug flows.

Simple Model for Gas Holdup and Liquid Velocity of Annular Photocatalytic External-Loop Airlift Reactor Under both Bubble and Developing Slug Flow

Based on the momentum conservation approach, a theoretical model was developed to predict the superficial liquid velocity, and a correlation equation was established to calculate the gas holdup of an annular external-loop airlift reactor(AELAR)in the bubble flow and developing slug flow pattern. Experiments were performed by using tap-water and silicone oil with the viscosity of 2.0 mm^2/s(2cs-SiO)and 5.0 mm^2/s(5cs-SiO)as liquid phases. The effects of liquid viscosity and flow pattern on the AELAR performance were investigated. The predictions of the proposed model were in good agreement with the experimental results of the AELAR. In addition, the comparison of the experimental results shows that the proposed model has good accuracy and could be used to predict the gas holdup and liquid velocity of an AELAR operating in bubble and developing flow pattern.

Simulation of Liquid Velocity Field in a Gas-Liquid Bubble Column

A simplified turbulent model and a modified k-Σ two equation model are proposed todescribe the liquid velocity profiles in a bubble column taking into consideration of the effect of gasdrag force and gas hold-up.In the simplified mode1 the Reynolds equation of motion was adoptedand the turbulent viscosity was calculated from an empirical correlation which was deduced fromour experimental data.The calculated liquid velocity profiles were compared between the proposedmodel and the standard k-Σ two equation model as well as experimental data.The result shows thatthe proposed model simulates and predicts the liquid velocity field most satisfactorily and in goodagreement with the experimental measurement.

THE EFFECT OF LIQUID PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ON DRIFT VELOCITY

Drift velocity is a very important paramcter for predictirg the pool volumetric void fraction. Two-phase system of gas and high viscous liquids pool is encountered in various engineering applications. A review of the literature shows no data for explaining the effect of highly viscous liquids on the drift velocity. This paper’s analysis shows that there is a considerable influence. It is shown that the foaming behaviour of liquids is dependent on the surface properties. For some highly viscous liquids at a given superficial gas velocity, the viscosity changes with time. The effect of "foam" and "time" on drift velocity is clearly elucidated.

DETERMINATION OF OSMOTIC VELOCITY OF LIQUID MEDICINE IN POROUS CERAMIC TUBE

Acquiring detail knowledge of the situation about release of medicial liquid is a key problem in clinical practice. By means of imitating the condition in the human body, the authors determined the osmotic velocity of anticarcinogen, antituberculotic, antibiotic and other medicines in porous ceramic tubes. In this paper, the methods to determine the osmotic velocity of anticarcinogen and to calculate the experimental data are mainly introduced.

Unsteady Liquid Film Flow with a Prescribed Free-Surface Velocity

A liquid film flow over a flat plate is investigated by prescribing the unsteady interface velocity. With this prescribed surface velocity, the governing Navier–Stokes(NS) equations are transformed into a similarity ordinary differential equation, which is solved numerically. The flow characteristics is controlled by an unsteadiness parameter S and the flow direction parameter Λ. The results show that solutions only exist for a certain range of the unsteadiness parameter, i.e., S≤1 for Λ =-1 and S≤-2.815877 for Λ = 1. In the solution domain,the dimensionless liquid film thickness β decreases with S for both the cases. The wall shear stress increases with the decrease of S for Λ =-1. However, for Λ =-1 the shear stress magnitude first decreases and then increases with the decrease of S. There are no zero crossing points for the velocity profiles for both the cases. The profiles of velocity stay either positive or negative all the time, except for the wall zero velocity. Consequently,the vertical velocity becomes a monotonic function. To maintain the prescribed velocity, mass transpiration is generally needed, but for the shrinking film case it is possible to have an impermeable wall. The results are also an exact solution to the full NS equations.

A New Model for Prediction of Mean Liquid Circulating Velocity in Bubble Columns

A new model without any fitting parameter for estimating the mean liquid recirculating velocity has been derived from previous work directly. The prediction agrees with experimental data reasonably well. Accurency of prediction from the new model is comparable with the models reported in the literature. However, the new model has a potential capability to predict the average liquid recirculation velocity at elevated pressure bubble columns since n and c is developed under pressure. However this needs to be further tested experimentally.

Ultrasonic Resonator Techniques for Broad-band Spectroscopy and for High-resolution Sound Velocity Measurement of Liquids

This review gives a short introduction into the principles of ultrasonic measurement techniques for liquids, using cavity resonators. Guidelines for the resonator design in broad-band ultrasonic stxctroscopy as well as in high-resolution single-frequncy or narrowband applications are presented. Deviations of the field configuration in real cells frtxn that in an ideal resonator are discussed and relations for the mode spectrum of cavity fields are given. Recent resonator measurement procedures and methods of data evaluation are mentioned briefly. Some examples of measurements show the extended usability of ultrasonic resonator techniques in basic science and in a wide range of applications for rrkaterials characterization, in manufacturing processes, as well as in control routines.

Ultrasonic Measurement of Two-Dimensional Liquid Velocity Profile Using Two-Element Transducer

The flow field or multidimensional velocity distribution of the coolant in fuel rod bundles of the reactor core in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) is an important parameter that is revealed through experimental investigations. This paper presents the two-dimensional (2D) velocity profile measurement using a two-element ultrasonic transducer with both elements acting as a transceiver. The size of the transducer is minimized for compactness, leading to a narrow sound field appropriate for applications in fuel rod bundle flow. Furthermore, the transducer’s sound pressure is evaluated via simulations and experimental measurements. In order to confirm the ability of the ultrasonic velocity profiler (UVP) with a two-element transducer, the experimental measurement is conducted in turbulent horizontal pipe flow. The 2D velocity vector profile is obtained, and then the measurement in swirling flow is conducted. The 2D velocity profile in an axial and radial plane is obtained utilizing the UVP measurement. Lastly, the ability of the UVP to derive the 2D velocity profile in the narrow area of the rod bundles is demonstrated.

A new model for predicting the critical liquid-carrying velocity in inclined gas wells

Based on the assumption of gas-liquid stratified flow pattern in inclined gas wells,considering the influence of wettability and surface tension on the circumferential distribution of liquid film along the wellbore wall,the influence of the change of the gas-liquid interface configuration on the potential energy,kinetic energy and surface free energy of the two-phase system per unit length of the tube is investigated,and a new model for calculating the gas-liquid distribution at critical conditions is developed by using the principle of minimum energy.Considering the influence of the inclination angle,the calculation model of interfacial friction factor is established,and finally closed the governing equations.The interface shape is more vulnerable to wettability and surface tension at a low liquid holdup,resulting in a curved interface configuration.The interface is more curved when the smaller is the pipe diameter,or the smaller the liquid holdup,or the smaller the deviation angle,or the greater gas velocity,or the greater the gas density.The critical liquid-carrying velocity increases nonlinearly and then decreases with the increase of inclination angle.The inclination corresponding to the maximum critical liquid-carrying velocity increases with the increase of the diameter of the wellbore,and it is also affected by the fluid properties of the gas phase and liquid phase.The mean relative errors for critical liquid-carrying velocity and critical pressure gradient are 1.19%and 3.02%,respectively,and the misclassification rate is 2.38%in the field trial,implying the new model can provide a valid judgement on the liquid loading in inclined gas wells.

Liquid mean velocity and turbulence in a horizontal air-water bubbly flow

The liquid phase turbulent structure of an air-water bubbly horizontal flow in a circular pipe has been investigated experimentally. Three-dimensional measurements were implemented with two "X" type probes oriented in different planes, and local liquid-phase velocities and turbulent stresses were simultaneously obtained. Systematic measurements were conducted covering a range of local void fraction from 0 to 11.7%. The important experiment results and parametric trends are summarized and discussed.

RESEARCH ON METHOD TO CALCULATE VELOCITIES OF SOLID PHASE AND LIQUID PHASE IN DEBRIS FLOW

Velocities of solid phase and liquid phase in debris flow are one key problem to research on impact and abrasion mechanism of banks and control structures under action of debris flow. Debris flow was simplified as two-phase liquid composed of solid phase with the same diameter particles and liquid phase with the same mechanical features. Assume debris flow was one-dimension two-phase liquid moving to one direction, then general equations of velocities of solid phase and liquid phase were founded in two-phase theory. Methods to calculate average pressures, volume forces and surface forces of debris flow control volume were established. Specially, surface forces were ascertained using Bingham＇s rheology equation of liquid phase and Bagnold＇s testing results about interaction between particles of solid phase. Proportional coefficient of velocities between liquid phase and solid phase was put forward, meanwhile, divergent coefficient between theoretical velocity and real velocity of solid phase was provided too. To state succinctly before, method to calculate velocities of solid phase and liquid phase was obtained through solution to general equations. The method is suitable for both viscous debris flow and thin debris flow. Additionally, velocities every phase can be identified through analyzing deposits in-situ after occurring of debris flow. It is obvious from engineering case the result in the method is consistent to that in real-time field observation.

Visualizing experimental investigation on gas-liquid replacements in a microcleat model using the reconstruction method

Cleats are the main channels for fluid transport in coal reservoirs.However,the microscale flow characteristics of both gas and water phases in primary cleats have not been fully studied as yet.Accordingly,the local morphological features of the cleat were determined using image processing technology and a transparent cleat structure model was constructed by microfluidic lithography using the multiphase fluid visualization test system.Besides,the effect of microchannel tortuosity characteristics on two‐phase flow was analyzed in this study.The results are as follows:(1)The local width of the original cleat structure of coal was strongly nonhomogeneous.The cleats showed contraction and expansion in the horizontal direction and undulating characteristics in the vertical direction.(2)The transient flow velocity fluctuated due to the structural characteristics of the primary cleat.The water‐driven gas interface showed concave and convex instability during flow,whereas the gas‐driven water interface presented a relatively stable concave surface.(3)The meniscus advanced in a symmetrical pattern in the flat channel,and the flow stagnated due to the influence of undulation points in a partially curved channel.The flow would continue only when the meniscus surface bypassed the stagnation point and reached a new equilibrium position.(4)Enhanced shearing at the gas-liquid interface increased the gas‐injection pressure,which in turn increased residual liquids in wall grooves and liquid films on the wall surface.

Three-Dimensional Velocity Distribution Measurement Using Ultrasonic Velocity Profiler with Developed Transducer

This study describes an ultrasonic velocity profiler that uses a new ultrasonic array transducer with unique 5-element configuration, with all five elements acting as transmitters and four elements as receivers. The receivers are designed to reduce the amount of uncertainty. As the fluid moves through this setup, four Doppler frequencies are obtained. The multi-dimensional velocity information along the measurement line can be reconstructed. The transducer has a compact geometry suitable for a wide range of applications, including narrow flow areas. The transducer’s basic frequency and sound pressure are selected and evaluated to be compatible with the application. First, to confirm the measurement ability, the measurement of the developed system in two-dimensional flow is validated by comparing it to the theoretical data. The uncertainty of measurement was within 15%. Second, the three-dimensional measurement in turbulent and swirling flow is proved experimentally to check the applicability of the proposed technique.

颗粒击穿气泡时气泡的变形和破裂

通过高速摄像机拍摄研究了颗粒击穿半球气泡破碎的演变过程.观察并分析了气泡成型后边缘再生和对流情况、受到颗粒击穿时气泡破碎的概率、以及成孔后的气泡破碎行为.通过量纲分析以及实验研究发现,气泡破碎概率是雷诺数和韦伯数的函数,概率P=1.08(Re^(0.5)We^(0.25))^(0.664),且当Re^(0.5)We^(0.25)>1020时,概率升至100%,气泡破碎形成的不稳定性射流数量是奥内佐格数Oh的函数.气泡液膜的卷曲速度随溶液浓度提高而升高,气泡液厚度随浓度提高而减小.

井下动水截流施工骨料堆积生长机制研究

灌注骨料形成阻水屏障实现截流降速是井下治水工程的关键所在。为定量描述骨料堆积生长的时空演化机理,提出了将骨料沉降堆积过程切分为具有一定厚度的片状颗粒层堆叠过程的分析计算方法,以及动水环境中骨料灌注后从沉降到堆积全过程关键参量(颗粒水平移距xd,动水休止角ψ,未接顶区流速U,骨料留存临界流速U_(cr))的理论计算公式,在此基础上构建了骨料堆积体生长预测模型。通过CFD-DEM双向耦合算法研究了骨料灌注期间流场分布演化特征和骨料堆积形态差异,并验证了预测模型合理性。研究表明:空间上,依据初始流速U_(s)是否超过骨料起动流速U_(c)或骨料留存临界流速U_(cr),可将截流初期骨料沉积主域的所在位置划分为3个区域,若沉积主域位于③区,则将其视为无效灌注;时间上,骨料堆积体生长过程可归结为3个阶段:高度快速增长阶段、高度长度同步生长阶段、仅水平向伸长阶段;初始流速决定了第1阶段的有无,而灌注条件(骨料粒径、灌注速度)主导着第1阶段所持续的时间;基于泥沙运动力学中推移质输沙率、起动流速等概念,得出了堵孔现象发生及骨料能否留存的临界判据;数值模拟试验结果表明,预测模型能够较好地刻画骨料灌注后的堆积生长规律,骨料堆积稳定后,理论计算值与模拟试验值相对误差小于10%。

柱塞气举排水采气研究现状及展望

气井积液是大部分天然气井在开发中后期存在的主要问题,排水采气工艺是排出井底积液并恢复和提高气井产量的关键技术之一。柱塞气举是一种可以高效排出井底积液的间歇生产工艺,该工艺具有结构简单、成本低等优点,适用于低产井和高气液比井,是目前我国最主要的排水采气技术之一。为此,系统地从柱塞类型及应用场景、柱塞气举速度模型、工作制度优化及故障诊断、新型柱塞气举工艺4个方面进行研究综述,分析了不同模型的优缺点,并总结了8种新型柱塞的特点和应用场景,进而针对目前气井生产效率低和井底积液难排出的情况,展望了柱塞气举工艺的技术发展方向。研究结果表明:(1)相比于国外,中国柱塞气举工艺应用广泛,发展较为成熟,新型柱塞气举工艺的发展进一步扩大了其应用范围。(2)速度模型可精确模拟柱塞在井筒中的运动状态;工作制度优化逐步向智能化发展。(3)目前仍存在柱塞气举工艺智能化程度低和无法适应复杂油气井生产的问题。结论认为,柱塞气举工艺下一步发展应聚焦4个方向:智能化技术的应用、适应复杂井条件下的技术开发、结合其他采气工艺的复合应用、基于气藏—井筒—地面一体化的井群制度优化。该研究成果对进一步推动国内柱塞气举相关研究与应用,具有较好的参考作用,并可以为柱塞气举未来发展方向提供指导。

脱液型管式气液分离器旋流分离段内液膜流动和分离特性

脱液型管式气液分离器旋流分离段内液膜流动特性是影响分离性能的关键因素,掌握液膜流动与分离效率之间的关系对结构改进和性能提升至关重要。本文改变液气比、入口气速、分流比和旋流叶片出口角等因素开展室内实验测试,获得不同工况下液膜流动的高速摄影图像和分离效率,基于Matlab编程建立液膜表面波速度和角度的图像分析方法,确定液膜流动特性与分离效率之间的关系。结果表明,液气比在0.12~0.3L/m3范围内,液气比和分流比对分离效率和液膜表面波速度的影响不明显;入口气速对分离效率和液膜表面波速度的影响最为显著,随着入口气速逐渐增加,分离效率先增大后减小,在入口气速18.82m/s时出现拐点;旋流叶片出口角分别为30°、45°、60°时,分离效率由大到小依次为30°>45°>60°,液膜表面波速度由大到小依次为60°>45°>30°。总的来说,旋流分离管段内液膜表面波速度0.98m/s为临界值,液膜表面波速度大于该值时,环缝排液口处液膜更易发生破碎,部分破碎的大液滴在重力和气流作用下进入气相出口,导致气液分离效率显著下降;液膜表面波速度小于0.98m/s时,分离效率基本保持在98%以上。

钐钴永磁流量计研制与锂铅自然对流回路流速测量

介绍了钐钴永磁流量计的研制过程,包括材料选取、结构设计、运行原理及内部磁场分布状态。利用镓铟锡高温冲刷回路与商用流量计对其进行了校准比对,结果显示校准后的平均流速约为钐钴永磁流量计测量值的1.8倍。将校准后的结果运用于液态锂铅自然对流回路的流速测量,并与商业软件ANSYS Fluent模拟计算结果进行对比,二者之间的误差约为23.3%,并对误差进行了分析。通过实验与分析,确定锂铅自然对流回路的流速范围约为0.05~0.06m·s^(-1)。

分散相入口结构参数对液液旋流反应器速度场的影响

为解决离子液体烷基化工艺在工业生产中存在产物分离不及时导致的停留时间过长,副反应产物增多等诸多问题,将一种可以缩短反应时间的液液旋流反应器直接用于该工艺中,利用旋流反应器实现反应分离一体化,并利用数值模拟研究分散相结构入口参数对旋流反应器内速度场的影响。结果表明:在保持相同的入口面积下,切向缝(分散相入口的主要部分)数量的增加会导致分散相切向速度增大,而对轴向速度的影响较小,20 mm-6的切向缝设置效果最佳;将分散相入口中心,缓冲腔中心和切向缝中心设置至同一条直线上,切向速度和轴向速度均会减小;切向缝位置越接近导向叶片,同一截面下切向速度越大,在稳定的非涡流区域轴向速度也会增大。最终对比分析得到高度-数量为30 mm-4,三心合一后,切向缝位置z=82—112 mm,轴向截面位置为80 mm的速度场混合程度最高,效果最好。此研究为旋流反应器应用于离子液体烷基化反应时的结构参数优化提供了理论基础。