Experimental Validation of Multiphase Flow Models and Testing of Multiphase Flow Meters: A Critical Review of Flow Loops Worldwide

Bello, O.O., Falcone, G. and Teodoriu, C. (2007) Experimental Validation of Multiphase Flow Models and Testing of Multiphase Flow Meters: A Critical Review of Flow Loops Worldwide. In: WIT, pp. 97-111. ISBN 9781845640798 (doi: 10.2495/MPF070101)

Abstract

Around the world, research into multiphase flow is performed by scientists with hugely diverse backgrounds: physicists, mathematicians and engineers from mechanical, nuclear, chemical, civil, petroleum, environmental and aerospace disciplines. Multiphase flow models are required to investigate the co-current or counter-current flow of different fluid phases under a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions and in several different configurations. To compliment this theoretical effort, measurements at controlled experimental conditions are required to verify multiphase flow models and assess their range of applicability, which has given rise to a large number of multiphase flow loops around the world. These flow loops are also used intensively to test and validate multiphase flow meters, which are devices for the in-line measurement of multiphase flow streams without separation of the phases. However, there are numerous multiphase flow varieties due to differences in pressure and temperature, fluids, flow regimes, pipe geometry, inclination and diameter, so a flow loop cannot represent all possible situations. Even when experiments in a given flow loop are believed to be sufficiently exhaustive for a specific study area, the real conditions encountered in the field tend to be very different from those recreated in the research facility. This paper presents a critical review of multiphase flow loops around the world, highlighting the pros and cons of each facility with regard to reproducing and monitoring different multiphase flow situations. The authors suggest a way forward for new developments in this area.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Additional Information: Computational Methods in Multiphase Flow IV.
• Keywords: multiphase flow loop, multiphase flow modelling.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Falcone, Professor Gioia
• Authors: Bello, O.O., Falcone, G., and Teodoriu, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• ISSN: 1746-4471
• ISBN: 9781845640798
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2007 WIT Press
• First Published: First published in WIT Transactions on Engineering Sciences 56
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher policy