Gas-liquid two-phase flow through channels with narrow spaces

Experimental investigation was conducted for horizontal and vertical gas-liquid flow through rectangular channels having narrow spaces of 0.7, 1.6, 3.8 and 10 mm width. Flow patterns were found to be very similar to those in ordinary vertical tubes. In small channels a new flow pattern was observed and called fissure flow. A generalized flow pattern map was proposed by which flow patterns were well arranged independently of channel dimensions. The method of Martinelli et al. was used in correlating pressure drop data. The experimental pressure drop factor decreased with decreasing space width. Compensation equations for L-M curves were also presented. The void fraction was measured in channels of 1.6 and 3.8 mm, and the flow parameter was found to be constant at 0.75. © 1976, Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan. All rights reserved.