FLOW-INDUCED EMULSIFICATION IN THE FLOW OF 2 IMMISCIBLE LIQUIDS IN HORIZONTAL PIPES

The flow of two immiscible liquids in a horizontal pipe with an inner diameter of 59 mm and a total length of 48 m is experimentally investi gated. Results are presented for the effect of emulsification and phas e inversion on the pressure drop for different flow regimes of two pha se oil-water mixtures. The measurements are conducted for oil viscosit ies of 22, 27 and 35 mPas, which are obtained by changing the temperat ure of the liquids. For the how conditions investigated maximum pressu re drops are measured in the region of phase inversion which is observ ed for input water fractions between 10 and 20%. There is no significa nt effect of the temperature on the dow characteristics observed. Copy right (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.