Assessment of theoretical flow pattern maps for vertical upward two-phase flow

摘要

Taitel-Dukler (1980), Mishima-Ishii (1984) and Solbrig (1986) flow pattern maps have been assessed against an experimental data bank compiled from different sources. The data bank consisted of a total of 1411 data points with 368 bubbly, 474 slug/churn and 545 annular flow points, the rest being transition points. The data bank consisted of mainly steam water data; some amount of air-water data are included as there were no steam-water data at low pressure (<10 bar). All the three flow pattern maps provide satisfactory characterization of bubbly flow data. Characterization of slug flow data is poor by all the three maps. Characterization of annular flow is satisfactory by Mishima-Ishii and Taitel-Dukler maps. The available database is inadequate for testing the slug flow to churn flow transition criterion. Plotting data in (alpha) - Vr plane shows a well defined graphical pattern which may help in the development of flow pattern transition criteria whereas no such pattern is observed while plotting in U(sub gs) - U(sub ls) plane. (author). 24 refs., 34 figs., 8 tabs.