Effect of small branch inclination on gas-liquid flow separation in T junctions

Abstract

A model developed calculates the mass intake fraction of gas and liquid phase during gas-liquid flow with small liquid holdup values (∈L ≤ 0.1) through regular T junctions with small branch inclinations. It was derived from the steady-state macroscopic mechanical energy balance (extended Bernoulli equation) applied to the "inlet-to-run" streamline and "inlet-to-branch" streamline of both gas and liquid phases. The model results are compared with experimental data of the system air/water-glycerol (0, 33, and 60 wt. %) flowing through a regular (D1 = D2 = D3 = 0.051 m) T junction with branch inclinations ranging from 0° to 0.5°. It was found that the gas-liquid flow split behavior is affected strongly by the liquid viscosity and by branch inclinations of 0.1° and higher. The results predicted with the model agree well with experimental results obtained in a regular T junction with a horizontal inlet run and an inclined side arm.