Abstract
Multiphase flow is a known source of vibrations in piping systems. Multiple experimental campaigns have focused on the force spectrum on horizontal bend systems. To evaluate the evolution of multiphase forces through a vertical loop, experiments have been done on an air-water, two inch pipe system consisting of four bends at near-atmospheric conditions. Forces are measured at each bend by clamping the pipe and measuring the strain. The experiments consist of two phases with the same loop in both a vertical and horizontal orientation. The change in orientation reveals the difference between a vertical and horizontal force development for the same u-shape geometry. The results show a difference in force development through the bends in a vertical system compared to the horizontal orientation. The force on the lower bend in an upwards orientated pipe plateaus on a minimum value for low gas velocities. The other bends in the system do not show this behavior. The effect of a vertical section on the coherence between the bends is investigated and compared with the horizontal orientation. Due to the larger difference in flow pattern in the vertical parts of the loop the coherence between the bends is lower when compared with the horizontal layout.
