Two phase flow 1D turbulence model for poly-disperse upward flow in a vertical pipe

A 1D test-solver was developed in recent years for modeling of two phase bubbly flows in pipe geometry. The solver considers a number of bubble classes and calculates bubble-size resolved void fraction profiles in the radial direction. A successful implementation was achieved regarding bubble forces models (non-drag forces). Discrepancies appeared when coalescence and breakup rates were significant. These rates depend upon local turbulence quantities, which are possible reason for discrepancies. Originally the test-solver is equipped by Sato model (Sato, Y., Sadatomi, M., Sekoguchi, K., 1981. Momentum and heat transfer in two-phase bubble flow. I. International Journal Multiphase Flow 7, 167–177 .) which accounts for turbulence via shear- and bubble-induced viscosities calculated out of empirical correlations. One equation for the turbulent kinetic energy was solved, while the dissipation rate was calculated out of a correlation. In order to improve calculation of the local turbulence parameters, a two-phase k–ɛ turbulence model was adopted instead. The account for the bubble-induced turbulence was made via a source term taken out of literature. Comparisons between new and old turbulence modeling against experimental data showed better agreement for the new model. The experiments covered a wide range of water and air superficial velocities for upward bubbly flow in two pipe's diameters: 50 and 200 mm. The main feature of the new model is providing more reliable values of turbulence parameters for application in coalescence and breakup models. A comparison with CFX 5.7 calculations in a 50 mm pipe showed better calculation results when the source term was considered in the k–ɛ equations. An implementation into CFX is planned.