Comparison of void fraction correlations for different flow patterns in horizontal and upward inclined pipes

A comparison of the performance of 68 void fraction correlations based on unbiased data set (2845 data points) covering wide range of parameters than previous assessments was made. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken for the available void fraction correlations and experimental void fraction data. After systematically refining the data, the performance of the correlations in correctly predicting the diverse data sets was evaluated. Comparisons between the correlations were made and appropriate recommendations drawn. The analysis showed that most of the correlations developed are very restricted in terms of handling a wide variety of data sets. Based on the observations made, an improved void fraction correlation which could acceptably handle all data sets regardless of flow patterns and inclination angles was suggested. It was shown that this correlation has the best predictive capability than all the correlations considered in this study. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.