Application of the Euler–Lagrange Method to Model Developed Hydrodynamic Slugs in Conduits

Abstract

Hydrodynamic slugging occurs frequently in nature and in various industrial systems. Under certain circumstances, a mechanistic approach to study such flows is possible and the Euler–Lagrange method may be conveniently implemented. Here, the modeling procedure is illustrated with a simple application to a conduit of a general topographic shape. As an example, the model is adapted to simulate the transient pressure response of an oil-industry-like pipeline configuration. The results are validated with experimental data for short, medium, and long slugs. The model constitutes an extension of previous modeling efforts, and illustrates why the usual flow prediction techniques (based on flow-maps) need to be reinterpreted when long slugs are present in such systems.