Fluid adiabatic flow

Compressible fluid flow occurs between the two extremes of isothermal and adiabatic conditions. For adiabatic flow the temperature decreases (normally) for decreases in pressure, and the condition is represented by p V (k) = constant. Adiabatic flow is often assumed in short and well-insulated pipe, supporting the assumption that no heat is transferred to or from the pipe contents, except for the small heat generated by fricdon during flow. Isothermal pVa = constant temperature, and is the mechanism usually (not always) assumed for most process piping design. This is in reality close to actual conditions for many process and utility service applications. 

In considering the flow in a pipe, the differential form of the general energy balance equation 2.54 are used, and the friction term 8F will be written in terms of the energy dissipated per unit mass of fluid for flow through a length d/ of pipe. In the first instance, isothermal flow of an ideal gas is considered and the flowrate is expressed as a function of upstream and downstream pressures. Non-isothermal and adiabatic flow are discussed later. 

The conditions existing during the adiabatic flow in a pipe may be calculated using the approximate expression Pi/ = a constant to give the relation between the pressure and the specific volume of the fluid. In general, however, the value of the index k may not be known for an irreversible adiabatic process. An alternative approach to the problem is therefore desirable.(2,3)... 

Lawlb. C. . Trans. Am. Inst. Chem. Eng. 39 (1948) 385. Isothermal and adiabatic flow of compressible fluids. 

The plot of the pressure drop depending on the bulk velocity in adiabatic and diabatic flows is shown in Fig. 3.6a,b. The data related to the adiabatic flow correspond to constant temperature of the fluids Tjn = 25 °C, whereas in the diabatic flow the fluid temperature increased along micro-channel approximately from 40 to 60 °C. It is seen that in both cases the pressure drop for Habon G increases compared to clear water. The difference between pressure drop corresponding to flows of a surfactant solution and solvent increases with increasing bulk velocity. 

Fig. 3.6a,b Dependence of pressure drop on fluid bulk velocity in (a) adiabatic flow, and (b) diabatic flow. Reprinted from Hetsroni et al. (2004) with permission... 

The scope of coverage includes internal flows of Newtonian and non-Newtonian incompressible fluids, adiabatic and isothermal compressible flows (up to sonic or choking conditions), two-phase (gas-liquid, solid-liquid, and gas-solid) flows, external flows (e.g., drag), and flow in porous media. Applications include dimensional analysis and scale-up, piping systems with fittings for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids (for unknown driving force, unknown flow rate, unknown diameter, or most economical diameter), compressible pipe flows up to choked flow, flow measurement and control, pumps, compressors, fluid-particle separation methods (e.g.,... 

The differential energy balances of Eqs. (6.10) and (6.15) with the friction term of Eq. (6.18) can be integrated for compressible fluid flow under certain restrictions. Three cases of particular importance are of isentropic or isothermal or adiabatic flows. Equations will be developed for them for ideal gases, and the procedure for nonidcal gases also will be indicated. 

Adiabatic flow. If heat transfer q is zero and the same assumptions regarding the z and a terms are made as before, the energy equation for any fluid becomes ... 

Accordirrg to the secorrd law, the irreversibilities due to fluid frictiorr m adiabatic flow cause arr errtropy irrcrease hr the fluid hr the directiorr of flow, hr the lirrrit as the flow approaches reversibility, this irrcrease approaches zero, hr gerreral, therr. 

The curve T0 = Te for adiabatic flow separates the line T0 > Te for heating the fluid from that T0 < Te for cooling. In the limiting case of Mas = 0, (3.364) is transformed into the straight dotted line. 

The flow of compressible fluids (e.g., gases and vapors) through pipelines and other restrictions is often affected by changing conditions of pressure, temperature, and physical properties. The densities of gases and vapors vary with temperature and pressure. During isothermal flow, i.e., constant temperature (PV = constant) density varies with pressure. Conversely, in adiabatic flow, i.e., no heat loss (PV " = constant), a decrease in temperature occurs when pressure decreases, resulting in a density increase. At high pressures and temperatures, the compressibility factor can be less than unity, which results in an increase in the fluid density. 

The temperature of the fluid in compressible flow through a conduit of constant cross section may be kept constant by a transfer of heat through the conduit wall. Long, small, uninsulated pipes in contact with air transmit suflicient heat to keep the flow nearly isothermal. Also, for small Mach numbers, the pressure pattern for isothermal flow is nearly the same as that for adiabatic flow for the same entrance conditions, and the simpler equations for isothermal flow may be used. The maximum velocity attainable in isothermal flow is... 

---