Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulations of Taylor Bubbles in Vertical and Inclined Pipes with Upward and Downward Liquid Flow

SPE Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Enrique Lizarraga-Garcia ◽  
Jacopo Buongiorno ◽  
Eissa Al-Safran
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Distribution Parameter ◽  
Bubble Velocity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd ◽  
Closure Relations ◽  
Slug Flows ◽  
Inclined Pipes ◽  
Taylor Bubbles

Summary Two-phase flow is a common occurrence in pipes of oil and gas developments. Current predictive tools are based on the mechanistic two-fluid model, which requires the use of closure relations to predict integral flow parameters such as liquid holdup (or void fraction) and pressure gradient. However, these closure relations carry the highest uncertainties in the model. In particular, significant discrepancies have been found between experimental data and closure relations for the Taylor bubble velocity in slug flow, which has been determined to strongly affect the mechanistic model predictions (Lizarraga-García 2016). In this work, we study the behavior of Taylor bubbles in vertical and inclined pipes with upward and downward flow using a validated 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach with level set method implemented in a commercial code. A total of 56 cases are simulated, covering a wide range of fluid properties, pipe diameters, and inclination angles: Eo ∈ [10, 700]; Mo ∈ [1×10–6, 5×103]; ReSL ∈ [–40, 10]; θ ∈ [5°, 90°]. For bubbles in vertical upward flows, the simulated distribution parameter, C0, is successfully compared with an existing model. However, the C0 values of downward and inclined slug flows where the bubble becomes asymmetric are shown to be significantly different from their respective vertical upward flow values, and no current model exists for the fluids simulated here. The main contributions of this work are (1) the relatively large 3D numerical database generated for this type of flow, (2) the study of the asymmetric nature of inclined and some vertical downward slug flows, and (3) the analysis of its impact on the distribution parameter, C0.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Study of the 4th Generation Prototype of a Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinwei Song ◽  
Houston G. Wood ◽  
Don Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Ventricular Assist Device ◽  
Continuous Flow ◽  
Surrounding Tissue ◽  
Assist Device ◽  
Ventricular Assist ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd

The continuous flow ventricular assist device (VAD) is a miniature centrifugal pump, fully suspended by magnetic bearings, which is being developed for implantation in humans. The CF4 model is the first actual prototype of the final design product. The overall performances of blood flow in CF4 have been simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software: CFX, which is commercially available from ANSYS Inc. The flow regions modeled in CF4 include the inlet elbow, the five-blade impeller, the clearance gap below the impeller, and the exit volute. According to different needs from patients, a wide range of flow rates and revolutions per minute (RPM) have been studied. The flow rate-pressure curves are given. The streamlines in the flow field are drawn to detect stagnation points and vortices that could lead to thrombosis. The stress is calculated in the fluid field to estimate potential hemolysis. The stress is elevated to the decreased size of the blood flow paths through the smaller pump, but is still within the safe range. The thermal study on the pump, the blood and the surrounding tissue shows the temperature rise due to magnetoelectric heat sources and thermal dissipation is insignificant. CFD simulation proved valuable to demonstrate and to improve the performance of fluid flow in the design of a small size pump.

CFD Modelling of Multiphase Flows: An Overview

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajnish K. Calay ◽  
Arne E. Holdo
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Mathematical Models ◽  
Cfd Modelling ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd ◽  
Numerical Modeling Of Flows

The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is now increasingly being used for modeling industrial flows, i.e. flows which are multiphase and turbulent. Numerical modeling of flows where momentum, heat and mass transfer occurs at the interface presents various difficulties due to the wide range of mechanisms and flow scenarios present. This paper attempts to provide a summary of available mathematical models and techniques for two-phase flows. Some comments are also made on the models available in the commercially available codes.

Assessment of spillway modeling using computational fluid dynamics

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1481-1485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. Chanel ◽  
John C. Doering
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Experimental Data ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Physical Model ◽  
Flow Data ◽  
Planning Period ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd

Throughout the design and planning period for future hydroelectric generating stations, hydraulic engineers are increasingly integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) into the process. As a result, hydraulic engineers are interested in the reliability of CFD software to provide accurate flow data for a wide range of structures, including a variety of different spillways. In the literature, CFD results have generally been in agreement with physical model experimental data. Despite past success, there has not been a comprehensive assessment that looks at the ability of CFD to model a range of different spillway configurations, including flows with various gate openings. In this article, Flow-3D is used to model the discharge over ogee-crested spillways. The numerical model results are compared with physical model studies for three case study evaluations. The comparison indicates that the accuracy of Flow-3D is related to the parameter P/Hd.

CFD Simulation on Flow Field of Gas-Liquid Taylor Flow in Circular Capillaries

2013 ◽  
Vol 803 ◽  
pp. 54-59
Author(s):  
Zhi Qun Pan ◽  
Xu Bin Zhang ◽  
Jing Tang ◽  
Wang Feng Cai
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Cfd Simulation ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
Bubble Velocity ◽  
Gas Bubble ◽  
Liquid Slug ◽  
Taylor Flow ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the flow field of gas-liquid Taylor flow in circular capillaries. The separate influence of gas bubble velocityVb,Taylor unit lengthLUC, film lengthLfilmand liquid film thicknessδfilmon both the liquid slug velocityVx,topand film velocityVx,filmwere investigated. The values ofVx,topare mainly dependent onVbandδfilmwhileVx,filmrelies on all the four parameters.

Numerical Investigation of Worn Labyrinth Seals

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasham H. Chougule ◽  
Douglas Ramerth ◽  
Dhinagaran Ramchandran ◽  
Ramnath Kandala
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Numerical Investigation ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Honeycomb Structure ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Grid Interface ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Additional Challenge ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd

The objective of this study was to develop a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based methodology to obtain the flow characteristics of worn and unworn labyrinth seals which will be applicable over a wide range of seal geometries. In this paper, we present a process to analyze worn and unworn seals with honeycomb lands using the CFX suite of software. Honeycomb structure poses an additional challenge due to disparate length scales. This was addressed by using separate meshes for the honeycomb and the seal tooth and by connecting them with a generalized grid interface in CFX. The challenges involved in modeling worn seals and an approach for quality meshing of the same was discussed. Comparisons were made with the test data from seals with unworn honeycomb lands. The leakages for the worn seals were also analyzed.

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