Elongated bubble centring and high-viscosity liquids in horizontal gas-liquid slug flow: Empirical analyses and novel theory

Abstract

Elongated bubble centring$\unicode{x2013}$an obscure counter-buoyant phenomenon encountered in horizontal gas-liquid slug flow$\unicode{x2013}$is correlated with liquid viscosity and their connection is theorized. Extracting from three sets of high-viscosity liquid (HVL) photographic data with $\mu_{\scriptscriptstyle L}$$\in$[1,960]mPa-s and $D$$\in$[20,50.8]mm, the degree of incurred centring is found to increase, generally, in proportion to $\mu_{\scriptscriptstyle L}$ for a wide range of operational rates as evidenced through measurements at bubble nose, body and tail. It is demonstrated that full and nearly-symmetric centring can occur in HVL-containing flows$\unicode{x2013}$the former at relatively low inertial supply in contradiction to water-based dynamics. Qualitative advancements regarding the mechanistic nature of bubble centring and its plausible function within flow pattern transition theory are presented. Elaborating on recent modelling efforts, four distinct hypotheses are formulated: 1) film region laminarity as a modulator for centring; 2) boundary layer theory in slug flow to differentiate an outer-layer, relative motion-dominated film flow necessary for the initiation of centring; 3) wedge theory$\unicode{x2013}$a plausible alternative mechanism for partial-centring; and 4) a novel framework for the slug-annular transition composed of two unique mechanisms$\unicode{x2013}$centring and coalescence. The postulated boundary layer theory is investigated using a calibrated case of HVL slug flow and a dynamical environment conducive to centring mechanism proliferation is calculated.