Experimental Analysis of the Flow Characteristics of an Adjustable Critical-Flow Venturi Nozzle

Abstract

The response of an adjustable critical-flow Venturi nozzle is investigated through a set indoor experiments aimed to determine the related critical flow rate, critical pressure ratio, and discharge coefficient. The effect of a variation in the cone displacement and liquid content on the critical flow characteristics is examined in detail and it is shown that the former can be used to effectively adjust the critical flow rate. The critical pressure ratio of the considered nozzle is above 0.85, and the critical flow control deviation of the gas flow is within ±3%. Liquid flow can reduce the gas critical mass flow rate accordingly, especially for the cases with larger liquid volume and lower inlet pressure. The set of results and conclusions provided are intended to support the optimization of steam injection techniques in the context of heavy oil recovery processes. KEYWORDSAdjustable critical flow venturi nozzle; critical pressure ratio; critical mass flow rate; gas-liquid two-phase critical flow