Hydrodynamic aspects of venting for vessels containing viscous fluids

Nine depressurization experiments for vessels containing water, freon-114 and high viscosity fluids have been analyzed. These experiments were carried out at different plants and provide information about the dependence of the depressurization process on the size of the vessel, the type of vent installed, and the initial conditions. The differences of venting into the atmosphere or venting into a catch tank have been also examined. The accuracy of the two-phase flow model used for the analysis of these experiments has been demonstrated by comparisons with steady state data referring to co-current liquid/vapor flow as well as to batch type of flows, where the liquid phase is stagnant.