Evaluation of frictional pressure drop correlations for two-phase flow in pipes

The calculation of frictional pressure drop for two-phase flow in pipes is required by a variety of design practices. In the past six decades, many correlations for two-phase frictional pressure drop were proposed, and some evaluations were provided. However, both the correlations and the experimental data included in the existing evaluation literature are limited, which makes the evaluation results inconsistent and inaccurate. This work conducts a comprehensive survey of correlations and experimental investigations of two-phase frictional pressure drop. There are 29 correlations reviewed, and 3480 experimental data points are obtained from the open literature, with the experimental range of hydraulic diameters from 0.0695 to 14 mm, and mass flux from 8 to 6000 kg/m2 s. The reviewed correlations are evaluated against the experimental data, and two correlations which can present the most agreeable predictions are found.

► We investigate extensive correlations and experimental data sets for evaluation.
► We verify the correlations under various classifications of conditions.
► Two correlations which can give the best predictions are found.
► Factors that affect the predictions are analyzed systematically.