CFD modelling of stratified/atomization gas-liquid flow in large diameter pipes

A CFD model of stratified flow with atomization has been developed to study the transport of water droplets in gas-liquid multiphase systems in 38 in. diameter pipes. Entrained droplets may deposit onto the wall surface, forming a thin draining film associated with an effective interfacial roughness. Secondary flows related to large gas flow rates may enhance the transport of droplets in the top region of the pipe. Gas-liquid surface tension also appears as an important parameter; it is shown to affect the entrainment rate and subsequently, the droplet deposition rate. This work involving water droplets extends the initial study performed with oil droplets entrainment in the gas phase, validated for 8 in. pipes, and scaled-up on larger diameter pipes.