Development of bubble size distributions in vertical pipe flow by consideration of radial gas fraction profiles

A new method for the prediction of the development of the bubble size distribution along the flow path is presented. It combines models for bubble coalescence and break-up with the calculation of radial gas fraction profiles. This model bases on the assumption of the equilibrium of the forces acting on a bubble perpendicularly to the flow direction. A large number of bubble classes is considered and the radial profile of the liquid velocity is taken into account.

The results of the model are compared with experimental data for a number of gas and liquid volume flow rates. The experiments were performed at a vertical test loop in Forschungszentrum Rossendorf (inner diameter 51.2 mm) using a wire mesh sensor. The sensor enables the determination of void distributions in the cross section of the loop. A special evaluation procedure supplies as well bubble size distributions as local distributions of bubbles within a predefined interval of bubble sizes.