Numerical analysis of the two-phase flow characteristics in vertical downward helical pipe

In this research, the Eulerian multiphase flow model is validated to calculate the two-phase flow in vertical downward helical pipes. The development of pressure fields and liquid distribution along the helical pipe are presented. The results shows that the curvature, torsion and liquid holdup exert great effect on the distribution of the pressure field and liquid holdup distribution in the helical pipe. In addition, it is found that the two-phase frictional pressure drop relates to the curvature and torsion of helical pipe, and that the inlet sectional liquid holdup also has great effect on the pressure drop. The correlation developed predicts the two-phase frictional factor in helical pipe with acceptable statistical accuracy. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.