A model for predicting static instability in two-phase flow systems

An analytical model for predicting the onset of Ledinegg instability in vertical channel under both downflow and upflow conditions has been developed and evaluated. The model divides the flow field into two regions based upon the fluid temperature. The pressure drop is then found by solving an appropriate set of equations for each region. The theoretical results are compared to an existing set of experimental data covering a range of channel diameters and operating conditions. A very good agreement is obtained with the available experimental data from the literature for water systems. A parameter, the ratio between the surface heat flux and the heat flux required to achieve saturation at the channel exit for a given flow rate, is found to be a very accurate indicator of the minimum point velocity in the demand curve. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.