Multiphase Flows

Multiphase Flows

What is the superficial velocity in multiphase flows?

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      If a fluid flow through a region where other fluids (e.g. gas-liquid flow) are present, there are two ways to describe the fluid velocity. The first is to use the physical velocity which is the actual and the local velocity of the fluid particles. This is the velocity which could be measured experimentally via Particle Image Velocimetry or Laser Doppler Anemometry and we are solving for it (Momentum transport equation and the related volume fraction equations). The second is the superficial velocity, which is the velocity the fluid would have if it was flowing through the same domain and as if the other phase(s) were absent. The superficial velocity of the vapor phase in gas-liquid system, for example, is equal to the volumetric flow rate of the vapor phase divided by the cross-sectional flow area of a flow device.