Slug Flow, Ansys Fluent CFD Simulation Training

Description

The present problem simulates the Slug Flow in a pipe using ANSYS Fluent software. We perform this CFD project and investigate it by CFD analysis.

In fluid mechanics, slug flow in liquid-gas two-phase flow is a type of flow pattern.

The present model is designed in three dimensions using the Design Modeler software. The model consists of a bent pipe in which air and water flow.

The meshing of the model was done using ANSYS Meshing software. The element number is equal to 1148302.

Also, due to the nature of the present problem, the transient solver has been enabled.

Slug Flow Methodology

Slug flow is a multiphase-flow regime in tubes in which most of the lighter fluid is contained in large bubbles dispersed within and pushing along the heavier fluid. The word slug refers typically to the more severe and slower-moving fluid but sometimes to the bubbles of lighter fluid.

There are also tiny bubbles within the liquid, but many coalesced to form large bubbles until they span much of the pipe. In gas-liquid mixtures, slug flow is similar to plug flow, but the bubbles are generally more giant and faster.

The Eulerian multiphase model has been used. The mixture enters the domain with a velocity of 0.6 m/s with gravity considered -9.81 m/s2 on the y-axis.

Slug Flow Conclusion

At the end of the solution process, three-dimensional velocity, air and water volume fraction, and animation are obtained. This 3-D simulation starts with a pipe filled with air and water as a mixture.

As time passes, air bubbles join together and make slugs because of the lower air density than water. The air slug moves up the surface of the pipe and continues to move forward the outlet.