Modeling of bubble shape in horizontal and inclined tubes

• Bubble shape in slug flow depends on Fr number, bubble length and pipe inclination.
• A model to predict the bubble shape in slug flow is proposed and validated.
• Flow pattern transition from plug to slug flow is predicted and analyzed.

An experimental and theoretical study on the bubble shape of intermittent flow in the horizontal and inclined pipes has been carried out. The experiment results show that the bubble shape depends on the Froude number, bubble length and pipe inclination. The bubble with staircase pattern tail is observed at low Froude numbers, which is corresponding to plug flow. A model for the prediction of the bubble shape in horizontal and inclined pipes is proposed. The model is able to predict the bubble shape, flow pattern transition between plug and slug flow regimes as well as nose-tail inversion phenomenon observed in the downwardly inclined pipe. Validation shows the model can well predict the bubble shapes in horizontal and inclined pipes. The model discloses that the transition between plug and slug flow regimes occurs within a region. The Froude number range for plug flow regime in the downwardly inclined pipe is much wider than that in the horizontal or upwardly inclined pipe. The assumption of fully developed liquid film under the long bubbles tends to under-estimate the liquid fraction in this part of the slug structure, especially, for the intermittent flow in the upwardly inclined pipe with high Froude numbers.