In fluid mechanics, slug flow in liquid–gas two-phase flow is a type of flow pattern. Lighter, faster moving continuous fluid which contains gas bubbles - pushes along a disperse gas bubble.[1][2] Pressure oscillations within piping can be caused by slug flow.[3] The word slug usually refers to the heavier, slower moving fluid, but can also be used to refer to the bubbles of the lighter fluid.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Slug_flow.png/235px-Slug_flow.png)
This flow is characterised by the intermittent sequence of liquid slugs followed by longer gas bubbles flowing through a pipe. The flow regime is similar to plug flow, but the bubbles are larger and move at a greater velocity.
Examples
edit- Production of hydrocarbon in wells and their transportation in pipelines;.
- Production of steam and water in geothermal power plants.
- Boiling and condensation in liquid-vapor systems of thermal power plants;
- Emergency core cooling of nuclear reactors.
- Heat and mass transfer between gas and liquid in chemical reactors.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Bai, Yong; Bai, Qiang (2005). Subsea Pipelines and Risers. Elsevier. p. 298. ISBN 9780080445663.
- ^ Fabre, J.; A. Line (2006). "Slug Flow". Thermopedia. S. doi:10.1615/AtoZ.s.slug_flow.
- ^ McKetta, John J. Jr. (1992). Piping Design Handbook. CRC Press. ISBN 9780824785703.
- ^ Fabre, J. (1994). "Advancements in Two-Phase Slug Flow Modeling". University of Tulsa Centennial Petroleum Engineering Symposium. Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi:10.2118/27961-ms.