Effect of small branch inclination on gas-liquid flow separation in T junctions

A model developed calculates the mass intake fraction of gas and liquid pha se during gas - liquid flow with small liquid holdup values (epsilon(L) les s than or equal to 0.1) through regular T junctions with small branch incli nations. It was derived from the steady-state macroscopic mechanical energy balance (extended Bernoulli equation) applied to the "inlet-to-run" stream line arm "inlet-to-branch" streamline of both gas and liquid phases. The mo del results are compared with experimental data of the system air/water-gly cerol (0, 33, and 60 wt. %) flowing through a regular (D-1 = D-2 = D-3 = 0. 051 m) T junction with branch inclinations ranging from 0 degrees to 0.5 de grees. It was found that the gas-liquid flow split behavior is affected str ongly by the liquid viscosity, and by branch inclinations of 0.1 degrees an d higher The results predicted with the model ngr ee well with experimental results obtained in a regular T junction with a horizontal inlet run and a n inclined side arm.