Phase Split in T-Junction Mini Channel – A Numerical Study

Abstract

Extracting natural gas and crude oil from deep wells requires a thorough understanding of multi phase flow phenomena. Designing of micro reactors employing different fluids requires similar understanding on a micro scale. Gas-Liquid two-phase flow mixing and separation commonly occur in such oil exploration and recovery on a macro scale and in case of micro fluid reactors in a micro scale. In this paper, two-phase flow mixing and separation is analysed for a horizontal channel with internal diameter 2.50 mm and a length of 202.5 mm. The numerical results obtained during two-phase flow mixing are validated with experimental results by employing image processing techniques. A numerical model is developed to study mixing and separation characteristics of slug flow regime. The separation efficiency of the T-junction partial separator for various superficial velocities, viscosity, surface tension and separation angles is analysed. The analysis will be useful for designing mini/micro reactors.