| An experimental and theoretical investigation of two-phase slug flow splitting at a regular horizontal side-arm tee was performed. A new test facility was designed and constructed, suitable for acquiring pertinent slug flow splitting data. Elaborate measurement techniques and sophisticated instrumentation and computerized data acquisition system were implemented to assure high-quality data for this complex flow pattern.; Splitting data were acquired for a wide range of slug flow conditions. Data analysis showed a steep-slope trend, exhibited by the splitting curves. Under these conditions, liquid preferentially flows into the run arm due to its high inertia forces associated with slug flow.; A model which describes preferential liquid movement under slug flow conditions in a regular horizontal pipe tee has been developed from physical principles. The model consists of two splitting mechanisms. These include the "Breaking-of-a-Dam" mechanism for the slug body, and the "Equilibrium Stratified Film" concept for the gas pocket-liquid film region.; The proposed slug flow splitting model along with other published splitting prediction methods are tested against new data acquired in the present study, and additional data available in the literature. Good agreement was found between the proposed model and the data. The present model also outperforms other available methods. |
