A new correlation for the critical mass flux of natural gas mixtures

The calculation of the critical mass flux for natural gas mixtures is a com plex process, requiring an accurate equation of state for such mixtures. A convenient correlation would remove the need for such a calculation. In thi s paper, two previous correlations are analysed and their limitations descr ibed. Neither correlation covers the range of compositions likely to be fou nd in the field. Furthermore these correlations are based on older equation s of state. A new correlation has been developed that improves significantl y on the previous two. The new correlation covers a greater composition ran ge and is valid in the temperature range 270-330 K at pressures up to 12 MP a, The new correlation is based on mass flux values calculated using the AG A8-92 equation of state for natural gas mixtures. The mean error for the to tal range of temperature, pressure, and composition is 0.075% compared with values calculated using AGA8. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.