Surfactant Use for Slug Flow Pattern Suppression and New Flow Pattern Types in a Horizontal Pipe

Abstract

A set of experiments was performed to study flow pattern suppression in horizontal air-water pipe flow by means of surfactant additive. Results suggest that addition of the surfactant to the gas-liquid flow significantly reduces the occurrence of slug flow. In addition, previously unreported flow patterns were observed to exist between slug and dispersed bubble flows. It is concluded that new mechanisms for slug flow transition need to be considered.