Three-phase gas-liquid-liquid flows in the steady and transient states

Three-phase (gas-liquid-liquid) flows are important in a number of industrial contexts. The manifestations and nature of three-phase flows are discussed and recent work at Imperial College is reviewed. Flow patterns in three-phase flows are complex and vary considerably from system to system. Time average values of pressure drop and hold-up show characteristic peaks as a function of “water cut” (fraction by volume of water in the liquid phase). Measurements on stratified and slug flows are reviewed and cases of transient flows (where the input flow is changed suddenly) are described. Finally, predictions methods for three-phase flows are reviewed.