Numerical modeling for stratified gas–liquid flow and heat transfer in pipeline

A numerical three-dimensional non-isothermal hydrodynamic and thermal modeling based on the unidirectional flow analysis of stratified flow in the circular cross section pipe is developed and tested by experimental data. The model could solve the steady axial momentum equation and heat transfer equation with a low Reynolds number k∼ε model of turbulence for the eddy viscosity. Due to irregular geometry of stratified pipe flow, the equations of the problem are based on a bipolar coordinate system. Grid refinement near the interface and pipe wall is respectively used for an accurate solution near the boundaries. The model is capable of determining pressure drop and liquid height. In addition, wall and interface shear stress, flow field and temperature field for both phases could be predicted successfully. The predicted data of pressure drop, liquid holdup and velocity profile by the model fit well with some available experiment data and one-dimensional model. And the energy equation is solved, and temperature distribution is gained over the flow and compared well with experimental results. In conclusion, the model could have a practical application for estimation of hydrodynamics and thermodynamics in a pipeline.