Waves and Instabilities in Inclined Gas-Liquid Pipe Flow

The Modified Apparent Rough Surface (MARS) model (Grolman et al., 1996) successfully predicts liquid holdup and pressure gradient for wavy gas-liquid pipe flow in slightly inclined pipes, up to the transition to slug (intermittent) flow. Additional equations are used to predict the transition from wavy-to-intermittent flow and for the velocity of waves on the gas-liquid interface. In this paper, Linear (stability) Theory is compared with the MARS model, on the basis of measurements in horizontal and slightly inclined (0° ⩽ β ⩽ 6°) pipes. Viscous terms in the linear analysis require estimates of shear stresses. Using the MARS model for the interfacial and liquid-to-wall friction factors, stability can be predicted to within reasonable degree of accuracy. Credible wave velocities are also obtained, provided the interfacial waves are not assumed to be marginally stable. Earlier semi-theoretical equations (MARS model) still provide better estimates of both stability and wave velocity and are much easier to handle than Linear Theory. However, the use of good friction factor equations, i.e. those capable of predicting liquid holdup and pressure gradient, has significantly improved the results obtained with Linear Theory. This opens the way to further studies into the mechanisms determining the velocity, growth and instability of waves in gas-liquid pipe flow.