Analysis of Two-Phase Flow in Horizontal and Inclined Pipes With Mechanistic Models

A computer program has been developed for simulating two-phase flow in horizontal and inclined pipes. This program is based on the mechanistic model of Xiao et al., extending the inclination angle from ± 15° to the range: ± 45°, using the works of Barnea and Hasan and Kabir. With this hybrid model it is determined the flow pattern, under stationary conditions, and hydrodynamic characteristics of the flow pattern, mainly hold-up and pressure gradients. An analysis of synthetic information, generated with the computer program, has been done. Based on statistical parameters, the mechanistic model performance has been compared with that of Beggs and Brill correlation, observing similar trends, with both procedures for the whole range of pipe inclination angles. Finally, through 3-D graphs, performance of principal hydrodynamic parameters has been presented. Mechanistic models for multiphase flow in pipes consider the basic physical phenomena for their development. The inclination angle is one of the main parameters that control flow characteristics. One of these models is that of Xiao et al., developed for horizontal and close to horizontal pipes.