Model flow pattern prediction method

The most reliable methods for fully developed gas/liquid flows use mechanistic models to predict flow pattern, and use different pressure drop and void fraction estimation procedures for each flow pattern. Such methods are too lengthy to include here, and are well suited to incorporation into computer programs commercial codes for gas/liquid pipeline flows are available. Some key references for mechanistic methods for flow pattern transitions and flow regime-specific pressure drop and void fraction methods include Taitel and Dukler (AIChEJ., 22,47-55 [1976]), Barnea, et al. (Int. J. Multiphase Flow, 6, 217-225 [1980]), Barnea (Int. J. Multiphase Flow, 12, 733-744 [1986]), Taitel, Barnea, and Dukler (AIChE J., 26, 345-354 [1980]), Wallis (One-dimensional Two-phase Flow, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1969), and Dukler and Hubbard (Ind. Eng. Chem. Fun-dam., 14, 337-347 [1975]). For preliminary or approximate calculations, flow pattern maps and flow regime-independent empirical correlations, are simpler and faster to use. Such methods for horizontal and vertical flows are provided in the following. 

Approximate prediction of flow pattern may be quickly done using flow pattern maps, an example of which is shown in Fig. 6-2.5 (Baker, Oil Gas]., 53[12], 185-190, 192-195 [1954]). The Baker chart remains widely used however, for critical calculations the mechanistic model methods referenced previously are generally preferred for their greater accuracy, especially for large pipe diameters and fluids with ysical properties different from air/water at atmospheric pressure. In the chart. 

Steam-liquid flow. Two-phase flow maps and heat transfer prediction methods which exist for vaporization in macro-channels and are inapplicable in micro-channels. Due to the predominance of surface tension over the gravity forces, the orientation of micro-channel has a negligible influence on the flow pattern. The models of convection boiling should correlate the frequencies, length and velocities of the bubbles and the coalescence processes, which control the flow pattern transitions, with the heat flux and the mass flux. The vapor bubble size distribution must be taken into account. 

These methods can be used to make a crude estimate of the likely pressure drop. A reliable prediction can be obtained by treating the problem as one of two-phase flow. For tube-side condensation the general methods for two-phase flow in pipes can be used see Collier and Thome (1994) and Volume 1, Chapter 5. As the flow pattern will be changing throughout condensation, some form of step-wise procedure will need to be used. Two-phase flow on the shell-side is discussed by Grant (1973), who gives a method for predicting the pressure drop based on Tinker s shell-side flow model. 

Thus we see that environmental modeling involves solving transient mass-balance equations with appropriate flow patterns and kinetics to predict the concentrations of various species versus time for specific emission patterns. The reaction chemistry and flow patterns of these systems are sufficiently complex that we must use approximate methods and use several models to try to bound the possible range of observed responses. For example, the chemical reactions consist of many homogeneous and catalytic reactions, photoassisted reactions, and adsorption and desorption on surfaces of hquids and sohds. Is global warming real [Minnesotans hope so.] How much of smog and ozone depletion are manmade [There is considerable debate on this issue.]... 

Acar and coworkers (46] and Shapiro et al. [52] have presented general models based on the first of these two approaches. These models predict that the contaminant and the electrolysis products at inert electrodes will be transported and dispersed by advection, migration, and diffusion. Modelling in this manner provides only a first-order, mathematical framework to examine the flow patterns and chemistry generated in the process adsorption/desorption kinetics, acld/base chemical reactions, complex equilibria, and precipitatlon/solubility factors may heavily influence the model accuracy and outcome of any site remediation. Two approaches for mathematic modelling are the use of analytical solutions or numerical, finite element methods (FEM). Both models require adequate definitions for the boundary conditions (nature of electrolyses, flow behaviour). 

Because of the nonuniform temperature and complex flow pattern in the reactors, it is not possible to model the process in order to predict all the distributions required to describe the structure. In addition, it is not possible to characterize the structure of LDPE in any detail using analytical methods because of its complex and irreprodudble structure. Finally, different batches of polymer made in the same reactor often vary in their structure. These variations may not be detectable using standard test methods while stiU affecting the processing behavior of the melt [115]. 

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