New Correlation for Two-Phase Flow in 90 Degree Horizontal Elbows

The comparison of experimental data and results obtained from four global models — homogeneous, Dukler, Martinelli and Chisholm, used to evaluate the two-phase flow pressure drop in circular 90° horizontal elbows — is presented in this paper. An experimental investigation was carried out using three galvanized steel 90° horizontal elbows (E1, E2, E3) with internal diameters of 26.5, 41.2 and 52.5 mm, and curvature radii of 194.0, 264.0 and 326.6 mm, respectively. According to the experimental results, the model proposed by Chisholm best fitted them, presenting for each elbow an average error of E1 = 18.27%, E2 = 28.40% and E3 = 42.10%. Based on experimental results two correlations were developed. The first one is the classical Chisholm model modified to obtain better results in a wider range of conditions; it was adjusted by a dimensionless relationship which is a function of the homogeneous volumetric fraction and the Dean number. As a result, the predictions using modified Chisholm model were improved presenting an average error of 8.66%. The second developed correlation is based on the entire two-phase mass flow taken as liquid and adjusted by the homogeneous volumetric fraction ratio. The results show that this last correlation is easier and accurate than the adjusted Chisholm model, presenting an average error of 7.75%. Therefore, this correlation is recommended for two-phase pressure drop evaluation in horizontal elbows.