Analysis of the Interchange Rate and Pressure Gradient of Annular Flow Based on a Probability Model

Abstract

The phase distribution and mechanical properties of annular flow have obvious, random characteristics because of the influence of turbulence. Thus, probability analysis is a suitable method for the study of annular flow. In the present work, the interchange rate and pressure gradient of fully developed annular flow are investigated in detail based on a probability model. The probability model tracks the atomization and deposition processes of a single particle to analyze the momentum and mass exchange between the gas and liquid phases. The interchange rate can be calculated by summing the generation or disappearance probability of droplets with different sizes. The pressure gradient can be obtained by solving the basic equations of the annular flow, which contains an improved relationship of interfacial shear stress. The predictions of the interchange rate and pressure gradient are well verified by comparison with experimental data available in the literature. Furthermore, the effects of the gas and liquid flow rates on the interchange rate and pressure gradient are discussed in detail.