Phase-distribution mechanisms in turbulent low-quality two-phase flow in a circular pipe

Abstract

The radial distribution of the volumetric vapour (or void) fraction in steady, fully developed turbulent two-phase flow is described for vertical low-quality bubbly flows in a circular pipe. The analysis is based on the phasic equations of conservation of momentum in the axial and radial directions. Mixing-length theory is used to model the turbulent stresses in the continuous phase. The predicted flow structure shows three distinct regions. The ‘outer’ region, that is, the region away from the wall and the centre-line, has a uniform void distribution. For upflow, a bubble layer is predicted near the wall, while for downflow, vapour coring is predicted, with a peak in void fraction at the centre-line. These predictions are in agreement with observed void profiles.