Flow measurement with an electromagnetic flowmeter in two-phase bubbly and slug flow regimes

In order to investigate the characteristics of an electromagnetic flowmeter in two-phase flow, an alternating-current electromagnetic flowmeter was designed and manufactured. The signals and noise from the flowmeter under various flow conditions were obtained, and analyzed in comparison with the flow patterns observed with a high-speed charge-coupled device camera.

An experiment with void simulators, in which a rod-shaped non-conducting material was used, was carried out to investigate the effect of bubble position and void fraction on the flowmeter. Two-phase flow experiments, encompassing bubbly to slug flow regimes, were conducted with a water–air mixture.

The simple relation ΔU_TP=ΔU_SP/(1−), relating the flowmeter signal between single-phase flow and two-phase flow, was verified with measurements of the potential difference and the void fraction for a bubbly flow regime. Due to the lack of homogeneity in a real two-phase flow, the discrepancy between the relation and the present measurement increased slightly with increasing void fraction and superficial liquid velocity j_f.

Whereas there is no difference in the shape of the raw signal between single-phase flow and bubbly flow, the signal amplitude for bubbly flow is higher than that for single-phase flow at the same water flow rate, since the passage area of the water flow is reduced. In the case of slug flow, the phase and the amplitude of the flowmeter output show dramatically the flow characteristics around each slug bubble and the position of the slug bubble itself. Therefore, the electromagnetic flowmeter shows a good possibility of being useful for identifying the flow regimes.     

Cross-sectional void fraction distribution measurements in a vertical annulus two-phase flow by high speed X-ray computed tomography and real-time neutron radiography techniques

A real-time neutron radiography (RTNR) system and a high speed X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) system are compared for measurement of two-phase flow. Each system is used to determine the flow regime, and the void fraction distribution in a vertical annulus flow channel with particular attention on the temporal resolution of the systems and the time behaviour of the two-phase flow. The annulus flow channel is operated as a bubble column and measurements obtained for gas flow rates from 0.0 to 30.0 l/min. Both the RTNR and the X-CT systems show that the two-dimensional void fraction distribution can be obtained. The X-CT system is shown to have a superior temporal resolution capable of resolving the void fraction distribution in an (r,θ) plane in 4.0 ms. The RTNR system is shown to obtain void fraction distribution in a (r,z) plane in 33.0 ms. Void fraction distribution for bubbly flow and slug flow is determined.     

Imaging of gas–liquid annular flows for underbalanced drilling using electrical resistance tomography

The underbalanced drilling technique, which is also known as managed-pressure drilling, is playing an important role in oil and gas sector, as it reduces common conventional drilling problems such as minimal drilling rates and formation damage, differential sticking and lost circulation. Flow regime monitoring is one of the key topics in annular multiphase flow research, particularly for underbalanced drilling technique. Prediction of the prevailing flow regime in an annulus is of particular importance in the design and installation of underbalanced drilling facilities. Especially, for establishing a suitable pressure-drop model based on the characteristics of the active flow regime. The methods of flow regime prediction (or visualisation) in an annulus that are currently in use are very limited, this is evidently due to poor accuracy or they are simply not applicable to underbalanced drilling operation in practice. Therefore, this paper presents a monitoring method, in which Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) is used to rapidly image the prevailing flow regime in an annulus with a metallic inner pipe. Experiments were carried out using an air–water flow loop with a test section 50 mm diameter flow pipe. The two-phase air–water flow regimes are visualised in the upward vertical annulus with a radius ratio (r/R) 0.4. This paper highlights the visualisation results of only three flow regimes, namely bubble flow, transitional bubble-slug flow and slug flow. The flow regimes are visualised through axial images stacked from 50 mm diameter-pixels of 2D tomograms reconstructed with the Conjugate Gradient Method (SCG). Gas volume fraction profiles within the annular flow channel are also illustrated. The profiles are extracted using the Modified Sensitivity coefficient Back-Projection (MSBP) method with a sensitivity matrix generated from a realstic phantom in the finite element method software. The results are compared with visual observations (e.g. photographs) of the active flow regime at the time of ERT measurements.     

微细通道内液氮流动沸腾的流型特性

采用高速摄像,得到内径为1.931 mm、1.042 mm、0.531 mm的竖直上升圆管内液氮流动沸腾的主要流型为泡状流、弹状流、搅拌流和环状流;并且在1.042 mm、0.531 mm管内发现受限气泡流。并绘制流型图,分析表面张力,压力和管径对流型转变的影响。表面张力是影响流型转变的重要物性参数,相对于空气—水的流型图,对应的弹状流/搅拌流,搅拌流/环状流流型转变线向较低的气体表观速度方向移动;而泡状流/弹状流的转变线向较高的气体表观速度方向移动。压力越高,相应的流型转变曲线向较低的气体表观速度方向移动。管径对流型转变有重要影响,随着管径的减小,相应的流型转变线向较低的气体表观速度方向移动。试验结果与通用的流型转变理论模型作比较,发现理论模型的预测结果与试验结果相差较大。     

Pattern recognition and signal processing of ultrasonic echo signal on two-phase flow

This paper presents a novel measurement method using ultrasonic echo signals on the flow of air–water mixtures. This method has the capability of measuring an instantaneous echo intensity profile along an ultrasonic beam, so it is expected to apply to pattern recognition of two-phase flow. Additionally, this method has an advantage compared with conventional techniques because of the clump-on type. The principle of the flow pattern recognition is based on the delay time and strength of the pulse echo. In this paper, first of all, the transmission of ultrasound through solid plates, which are made of plexiglass and carbon steel, has been investigated and the effective incidence angles for these materials were found. Then, echo signals reflected off a boundary between water and air in a vertical pipe, having a diameter of 50 mm, were obtained using an ultrasound system, and the effects estimated of a two-phase pattern, from bubbly to slug flow, on the signals. In addition, water flows down the inner surface of a pipe as annular flow, and the echo signals then also investigated.     

Analysis of two-phase flow regimes and parameter distribution in 5 x 5 rod bundle using image processing techniques

With the recent developments in image processing and analysis, this paper presents bubble characteristics distribution in adiabatic air-water two-phase flow through a 5 × 5 rod bundle. The experiment covered water superficial velocities (J_l = 0.012 m/s – 0.421 m/s) and air superficial velocities (J_g = 0.042 m/s – 0.987 m/s) in which three distinct flow regimes were identified. The flow regime map was compared with existing flow regime transition criteria for vertical rod bundles. Distinct features from the two-phase flow images were extracted to train a classifier model to distinguish between regimes from a separate experiment. The model distinguishes between the bubbly flow regime and others accurately. The void fraction and velocity distributions were also extracted from the R–CCN masked images. Bubble-induced turbulence that was dominant in the subchannel at (J_l = 0.28 m/s) shifted to the outer subchannels and gaps when the flow rate increased (J_l = 0.42 m/s). These methods over-predicted the void faction around the surfaces of the inner rods.     

Accurate mass flow and density of bubbly liquids using speed of sound augmented Coriolis technology

Speed of sound augmented Coriolis technology utilizes a process fluid sound speed measurement to improve the accuracy of Coriolis meters operating on bubbly liquids. This paper presents a theoretical development and experimental validation of speed of sound augmented Coriolis meters. The approach utilizes a process fluid sound speed measurement, based on a beam-forming interpretation of a pair of acoustic pressure transducers installed on either side of a Coriolis meter, to quantify, and mitigate, errors in the mass flow, density, and volumetric flow reported by two modern, dual bent-tube Coriolis meters operating on bubbly mixtures of air and water with gas void fractions ranging from 0% to 5%. By improving accuracy of Coriolis meters operating on bubbly liquids, speed of sound augmented Coriolis meters offer the potential to improve the utility of Coriolis meters on many existing applications and expand the application space of Coriolis meters to address additional multiphase measurement challenges.The sources of measurement errors in Coriolis meters operating on bubbly liquids have been well-characterized in the literature. In general, conventional Coriolis meters interpret the mass flow and density of the process fluid using calibrations developed for single-phase process fluids which are essentially incompressible and homogeneous. While these calibrations typically provide sufficient accuracy for single-phase flow applications, their use on bubbly liquids often results in significant errors in both the reported mass flow, density and volumetric flow. Utilizing a process fluid sound speed measurement and an empirically-informed aeroelastic model of bubbly flows in Coriolis meters, the methodology developed herein compensates the output of conventional Coriolis meters for the effects of entrained gas to provide accurate mass flow, density, volumetric flow, and gas void fraction of bubbly liquids.Data presented are limited to air and water mixtures. However, by influencing the effective bubble size through mixture flow velocity, the bubbly liquids tested exhibit decoupling characteristics which spanned theoretical limits from nearly fully-coupled to nearly fully-decoupled flows. Thus, from a non-dimensional parameter perspective, the data presented is representative of a broad range of bubbly liquids likely to be encountered in practice.     

Capacitance wire mesh imaging of bubbly flows for offshore treatment applications

The impact of ship motion on bubbly flow was emulated using a swell simulator to expose flow structure changes emerging in bubble columns relevant to offshore floating applications. Roll, roll+pitch, yaw, heave and sway were implemented at various frequencies and changes in bubbly flow resulting from the imposed motions were monitored for the first time by means of a dual capacitance wire mesh sensor to measure local gas holdup and velocity. Visualizations of the two-phase flow revealed that roll, roll+pitch, and high-frequency sway were the most impactful in terms of bubble zigzag and swirl, and bubble-clustering and segregation due to vessel dynamic inclinations. As a consequence of these motions, lateral migration of bubbles and their clustering enhanced liquid recirculation and local streamwise gas velocity. Compared to static vertical bubble column, bubbly flow pattern was barely altered by yaw and low-frequency sway except the heave displacements which tended to slowdown the bubble rise.     

Experimental study of bubbly swirling flow in a vertical tube using ultrasonic velocity profiler (UVP) and wire mesh sensor (WMS)

Two-phase air-water bubbly swirling flow through a pipe is a complex turbulent flow and its prediction is still challenging. The present paper describes the experimental investigation of the air-water bubbly swirling flow in vertical co-current flow. Swirling flow is induced by a twisted tape in a 20 mm inner diameter pipe. The flow is investigated using Ultrasonic velocity profiler (UVP), which allows the measurement of liquid and gas velocities simultaneously. Furthermore, simultaneous measurement of void fraction is performed using Wire mesh sensor (WMS). The experimental results reveal that swirling flow has significant impact on bubbles’ distribution. In low liquid flow rate, the average bubble velocity is fairly uniform along the radial position and void fraction increases in the near wall region. However, increasing liquid flow rate at constant gas flow rate leads to increase in void fraction in the core region, this is mainly due to drift velocity which is affected by centrifugal force. Experimental findings and parametric trends based on the effects of swirling flow are summarized and discussed.     

油水两相流中2种含水率计算模型比较

油水两相流广泛存在于石油开采、储运、化工、能源等工业领域。含水率是油水两相流系统的重要参数之一,含水率的准确测量不仅与采用的测量方法有关,而且还与计算模型有很大关系。结合电导式测量方法建立了电阻-电容并联网络含水率计算模型,并在3种流型下与Maxwell含水率模型进行了仿真和实验对比。结果表明,建立的并联电阻-电容网络含水率模型,在泡状流下与Maxwell含水率计算模型的误差基本相同,而在环状流、分层流下,测试误差均小于Maxwell含水率计算模型的误差,具有更高的测试精度,可适用于环状流、分层流、泡状流等流型。     

Estimation of bubble size distributions and shapes in two-phase bubble column using image analysis and optical probes

A precise estimation of bubble size distributions and shapes is required to characterize the bubble column fluid dynamics at the “bubble-scale”, and to evaluate the heat and mass transfer rate in bubble column reactors. Image analysis methods can be used to measure the bubble size distributions and shapes; unfortunately, these experimental techniques are limited to resolve bubble clusters and large void fractions, and can not be applied under relevant operating conditions (e.g., high temperature and pressure). On the other hand, needle probes (i.e, optical and conductive probes) can be used to measure bubble sizes in dense bubbly flows and under relevant operating conditions; however, needle probes measure chord length distributions, which should be converted into bubble size distributions by using statistical algorithms. These algorithms rely on correlations—generally obtained for single droplets/bubbles—that predicts the bubble shapes, by relating the bubble equivalent diameter to the bubble aspect ratio. In this paper, we contribute to the existing discussion through an experimental study regarding the bubble sizes and aspect ratio in a large air-water bubble column. The experimental investigation has consisted in gas holdup, image analysis and optical probe measurements. First, the gas holdup measurements have been used to identify the flow regime transition between the homogeneous flow regime and the transition flow regime. Secondly, the homogeneous flow regime has been described at the “bubble-scale”: chord length distributions and bubble size distributions have been obtained by using an optical probe and image analysis, respectively. Based on the experimental data from the image analysis, a correlation between the bubble equivalent diameter and the bubble aspect ratio has been proposed and has been compared with existing correlations. Finally, the chord length distributions have been converted into bubble size distributions using a statistical method, supported by the aspect ratio obtained through image analysis. The proposed approach has been able to estimate correctly the bubble size distributions at the center of the column then near the wall. We have also demonstrated that the correlations used to predicts the bubble shapes are the main point of improvement in the method.     

Characterization of multiphase flow in bubble columns using KT-1 signature and fractal dimension

This work presents the analysis of phase fraction distribution in bubble column reactor using KT-1 signature and fractal dimension. The experiment was carried out using X-ray CT scanner at Leibniz University Hannover. Convolution back projection algorithm is used to obtain the cross-sectional attenuation coefficient distribution. Individual phase distributions of the three phases (air, water and PVC), across the column cross-section, have been obtained using dual energy X-ray tomography. This paper reports measurement of phase fraction distribution at a cross-section level located at 3.2 m from the inlet. The effect of variation of PVC concentration on phase fraction distribution of air and PVC has been investigated. Analysis of reconstructed phase fraction using KT-1 signature and fractal dimension reveals interesting information regarding the flow regime transition and mixing phenomenon in the bubble column.     

Quantitative comparison between volume-of-fluid and two-fluid models for two-phase flow simulation using OpenFOAM

This study compared numerical characteristics of volume-of-fluid (VOF) and two-fluid models for the two-phase flow simulation by using open-source computational fluid dynamics software (OpenFOAM). In both models, the pressure-implicit method for pressure-linked equations was solved to obtain transient pressure and velocity fields. For the simulation of subgrid-scale bubbles, the VOF model was coupled with a Lagrangian discrete bubble model (DBM). In the single bubble rising case, kinematic and dynamic parameters predicted by the two-fluid model were poor. However, in the bubbly flow case, this model predicted the gas and liquid velocities well and, similarly, the liquid front position in the free surface flow case. On the other hand, the VOF model was less accurate in describing bubbly flow, despite the inclusion of the DBM. While the two-fluid model is recommended for the simultaneous simulation of separated and dispersed flows, the VOF model is more effective for separated flows.     

润滑油混入气泡后对滑动轴承耗油量的影响

滑动轴承的耗油量是一项重要的特性参数。本文在引入气油两相流粘度模型的基础上，建立了一套适用于气油两相流工况下径向滑动轴承的数值计算理论，计算研究了气油两相流对滑动轴承耗油量的影响     

基于EEMD-Hilbert谱的气液两相流钝体绕流流型识别

为了有效识别气液两相流的流型,以水和空气为实验介质,以涡街流量计为元件诱发钝体绕流,通过管壁差压法获取气液两相流钝体绕流的尾迹波动信号,采用集总经验模态分解对信号进行分解,通过Hilbert变换得到Hilbert边际谱,利用最大互相关系数法对固有模态函数进行筛选,选取特征固有模态函数能量比分别与体积含气率、两相雷诺数构建流型图。结果表明,构建的两类新流型图对单相水、泡状流、塞状流、弹状流等典型流型的识别率分别可达91.67%和88.89%,能较好地满足工程实际应用的需求。     

Tomographic reconstruction of two-phase flows

Tomography has been investigated to observe bubble behaviors in two-phase flows. A bubbly flow and an annular flow have been reconstructed by tomography methods such as an algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and a multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART). Computer synthesized phantom fields have been used to calculate asymmetric density distributions for limited cases of 3, 5, and 7 projection angles. As a result of comparison of two tomography methods, the MART method has shown a significant improvement in the reconstruction accuracy for analysis of the two-phase flows.     

The parameters measurement of air–water two phase flow using the electrical resistance tomography (ERT) technique in a bubble column

The air–water two-phase flow is investigated in a bubble column with a height of 2 m and a diameter of 0.282 m by using the Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) technique. The flow characterization are measured by applying ERT sensors of three vertical sections with superficial gas velocities in the range 0.027–0.156 m/s. Based on the cross-correlation technique and dynamic gas disengagement (DGD) theory, the bubble Saunter diameters are obtained and the local axial velocity about two phases flow can be calculated. The results show that with increased gas superficial velocity the distribution of bubble size is gradually widespread. Moreover, the local velocity of gas bubble swarm has a center peak distribution with increased gas superficial velocity.     

转炉环缝洗涤器磨损问题研究

针对转炉除尘系统中环缝洗涤器使用时磨损严重问题进行了研究。利用CFD软件,模拟了环缝洗涤器内部流场,原因是内部流场紊乱造成磨损问题,并提出了相应解决办法。     

Characterization of the hydrodynamic flow regime in bubble columns via computed tomography

The current work evaluates the potential of Computed Tomography (CT) measurements for flow regime characterization. Experiments were carried out in a pilot scale (0.162 m diameter) bubble column using an air–Therminol LT system at ambient as well high operating pressures (0.4 and 1 MPa). The superficial gas velocities were varied from 1 to 20 cm/s at intervals of 1 cm/s. The steepness of the gas holdup radial profile was analyzed to demarcate the hydrodynamic flow regime. The regime transition velocities obtained from CT measurements are compared with the drift flux model. An increase in operating pressure was found to delay the regime transition and at higher pressures, a transition occurred over a range of superficial gas velocities. The current state of correlation prediction is evaluated against the experimental transition velocities.     

Bubble sizes and shapes in a counter-current bubble column with pure and binary liquid phases

It is generally admitted that the “global-scale” behavior of bubble columns is imposed by the “local-scale” phenomena. For this reason, understanding the fluid dynamics in bubble columns relies on the precise knowledge of the so-called “birth and life” of bubbles. A-priori knowledge of the bubble sizes and shapes is required to characterize the “local-scale”, to understand the “global-scale”, to set-up and validate numerical models, as well as to support scaling-up methods towards the “industrial-scale”. This paper contributes to the present-day discussion by proposing an experimental research devoted to clarify the relationships between the bubble sizes and shapes, the integral flow parameters, and the liquid phase properties. The experimental study, based on a bubble-identification methods, was performed in a “large-scale” bubble column (inner diameter equal to 0.24 m, height equal to 5.3 m) operated in the batch and in the counter-current modes with pure (deionized water) and binary (mixture of ethanol and deionized water) liquid phases. The system was operated in the pseudo-homogeneous flow regime with superficial gas velocities in the range of 0.0037–0.0188 m/s and superficial liquid velocity, in the counter-current mode, equal to −0.066 m/s. In the different experimental runs, bubble size distributions and shapes were obtained at different radial and axial locations. The experimental observations have been presented, compared with literature correlations, used to develop novel correlations (to be applied in practical applications), compared with previously obtained experimental data and interpreted in a multi-scale point of view. The comprehensive dataset obtained within this research may be used to improve the validation of numerical approaches and, in particular, to tackle the unsolved issue of developing break-up and coalescence kernels.