Multiphase flow lab

Multiphase flow is a simultaneous flow of several phases such as gas-liquid, liquid-solid, gas-solid or gas-liquid-solid. The area of multi-phase flow has direct applications to many disciplines such as energy production, petroleum industry, solar energy, safety of nuclear reactors, environmental engineering, etc.

Our experimental and theoretical research in the area of multiphase flow is closely connected with the applications and provide useful design information for multiphase systems. The laboratory has numerous experimental facilities. Modern measuring methods are employed, such Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), digital image processing of sequences of video images, also using a borescope and fast video cameras, wire-mesh sensors, electromagnetic flowmeters, fiber optic tip sensors, as well as resistance and capacitance-type gauges, etc. The main research topics are:

Spatial and temporal distribution of statistical parameters of slug flow in vertical, inclined and horizontal pipes, including the higher statistical moments of local void fraction variations.
Stability of two phase flow in parallel pipes. The problem is closely related to DSG (direct steam generation) via solar energy.
Slug tracking modeling over complex terrains.
Experimental and theoretical study of solid particles transportation in pipes by gases and/or liquids.
Stability of separated two-phase flows. Application to flow pattern transition and interfacial structure.
Flow pattern transition modeling in gas-liquid pipe flows, development of models to predict important hydrodynamic flow parameters, such as pressure drop, liquid slug length, etc., and verification of the model predictions by experiments.
Modeling flow hydrodynamics, in particular for separated and slug flows.

MAIN DIRECTIONS OF RESEARCH ACTIVITY