Modelling of Counter-Current Gas-Liquid Annular Flow in a Vertical Annulus

TL;DR

This paper develops a mechanistic model to predict the pressure gradient in counter-current gas-liquid annular flow within a vertical annulus, considering liquid film, droplet entrainment, and interfacial shear effects.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive model that improves understanding of pressure gradients in counter-current annular flows, aiding system design and stability analysis.

Findings

Pressure gradient increases with gas flow rate.

Higher entrainment of liquid droplets elevates pressure gradient.

Interfacial shear significantly influences flow behaviour.

Abstract

Annular two-phase flow involving upward-moving gas and downward-flowing liquid within a vertical annular geometry is a common configuration in various engineering systems. In such systems, accurately predicting the pressure gradient is essential for understanding flow stability, equipment performance, and system design under counter-current conditions. This paper presents a general mechanistic model to predict the pressure gradient in counter-current annular flow within a vertical annular space. The model accounts for liquid film behaviour, droplet entrainment, and interfacial shear. Model predictions show that the pressure gradient increases with rising gas flow rate. The increase in pressure gradient is attributed to a higher entrainment of liquid droplets into the gas core and enhanced interfacial forces between the phases.