Erosion resulting from the presence of sand is a complex phenomenon even in a single-phase flow. The complexity of the problem increases significantly in multiphase flow due to existence of different flow patterns. Earlier models for predicting erosion in multiphase flow were significantly based on empirical data and the accuracy of those models was limited to the flow conditions of the experiments. A mechanistic model has been developed for predicting erosion in multiphase flow in elbows that are downstream of vertical pipes considering the effects of particle velocities in gas and liquid phases of the flow. As the mechanistic model is based on physics of multiphase flow, it is expected to be more general than the models that are solely based on empirical information. The predictions for an elbow geometry were compared with erosion experiments conducted in multiphase flow showing good agreement.

Subject
Mechanistic models, Piping, Droplets, Sand, Flow velocity, Slug flow, Gas velocity, Liquid films, Liquids, Multiphase flow, Bubbling, Impact velocity, Erosion
Keywords:
erosion, multiphase flow, three-phase flow, sand erosion, annular flow, slug flow, vertical flow, elbow
© 2004 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2004
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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