Numerical analysis of two-phase flow from a stratified region through a small circular side branch

A numerical analysis using a commercial CFD code, ANSYS CFX, was used to model two-phase flow discharging from a stratified region through a small branch of circular cross-section. The purpose of this study is to assess the capability of the code in predicting the pertinent flow parameters and to generate detailed results that can provide insights into some of the flow phenomena. The inhomogeneous, free surface model was used and the code predictions were evaluated by comparing results with previous correlation equations and experimental data. Results were obtained for the critical heights of the interface at the onsets of gas and liquid entrainment, as well as the mass flow rate and quality during two-phase discharge. Additional results including force balances and pressure contours were also analysed to provide insight into the flow characteristics just before the onsets of liquid and gas entrainment. All results are in good agreement with existing correlation equations and experimental data. CFD modelling is therefore a possible tool for predicting the correct results for discharging two-phase flow for the geometry under consideration; the computation time required to obtain converged results, however, was found to be excessive.