Internal phase distribution transition through 90deg bends in horizontal configurations

The internal phase distributions of air-water bubbly flow through an elbow has been experimentally investigated by using a double-sensor resistivity probe method. Liquid and gas volumetric superficial velocities from 3.76 to 4.34 and 0.1 to 1.0 m/s, respectively. The local values of void fraction, interfacial area concentration, mean bubble size and bubble interface velocity, chord-length and frequency distributions were measured. The experimental results are documented here in terms of the void fraction, interfacial area concentration and bubble interface velocity to describe transitions in the interfacial structure through an elbow. The axial flow structure development was also investigated by additional measurements at varying axial distances downstream of the elbow. (author)