PRESSURE DROP OF LIQUID-LIQUID TAYLOR FLOW IN MINI-SCALE TUBING

In this paper, the pressure drop of liquid-liquid segmented flow in small-scale tubing is investigated with experimental and analytical methods. A theoretical model is developed for describing the total pressure drop as a function of slug length and Capillary number. The experiments are conducted with low Reynolds number flows in horizontal, straight mini-scale tubes. A segmented (Taylor) flow is created using several low viscosity silicone oils (1, 3, 5 cSt) and water with a wide range of flow rates. The experimental setup allows the independent variation of liquid slug lengths. The liquids are injected into the mini-scale tubes at a variable (pulsed) flow rate for one liquid, and a constant flow rate for another liquid. The variation of liquid types and flow rates causes numerous combinations of Prandtl, Reynolds, and Capillary numbers to be tested. The theoretical and experimental data is presented in terms of the dimensionless groups f Re or Delta P* and L-e* to predict pressure drop in liquid-liquid Taylor flow. The new experimental data agrees well with the new theoretical model of Taylor flow in miniscale tubes. The results of this paper indicate the pressure drop for Taylor flow is higher than in single-phase flow, likely due to the interfacial effects in liquid slugs.