One-dimensional drift-flux model for two-phase flow in a large diameter pipe

In view of the practical importance of the drift-flux model for two-phase-flow analysis in general and in the analysis of nuclear-reactor transients and accidents in particular, the distribution parameter and the drift velocity have been studied for vertical upward two-phase flow in a large diameter pipe. One of the important flow characteristics in a large diameter pipe is a liquid recirculation induced at low mixture volumetric flux. Since the liquid recirculation may affect the liquid velocity profile and promote the formation of cap or slug bubbles, the distribution parameter and the drift velocity in a large diameter pipe can be quite different from those in a small diameter pipe where the liquid recirculation may not be significant. A flow regime at a test section inlet may also affect the liquid recirculation pattern, resulting in the inlet-flow-regime dependent distribution parameter and drift velocity. Based on the above detailed discussions, two types of inlet-flow-regime dependent drift-flux correlations have been developed for two-phase flow in a large diameter pipe at low mixture volumetric flux. A comparison of the newly developed correlations with various data at low mixture volumetric flux shows a satisfactory agreement. As the drift-flux correlations in a large diameter pipe at high mixture volumetric flux, the drift-flux correlations developed by Kataoka-Ishii, and Ishii have been recommended for cap bubbly flow, and churn and annular flows, respectively, based on the comparisons of the correlations with existing experimental data. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.