Interfacial wave characteristics for countercurrent stratified air-water flow in a horizontal pipe

To experimentally investigate the several wave patterns for the horizontal countercurrent stratified air-water flow, a series of systematic experimental studies have been performed. The experiments are carried out in a horizontal pipe with 4m in length and 102mm in inner diameter. The water and air superficial velocities vary from 0.0004 to 0.0204 and from 0 to 6m/s, respectively. The instantaneous water thickness is measured by parallel-wire conductance probes, and the wave field is recorded by high speed video camera. Also, to evaluate the wave effects on interfacial friction factor, the pressure drop is measured. Statistical data analysis is accomplished in order to obtain the fundamental wave parameters such as wave amplitude, length and velocity, and spatial growth factor. By using these statistical parameters, the wave regime boundaries can be verified. 13 refs., 17 figs., 1 tab. (author)