PIV measurement of liquid film flow field in gas-liquid-solid three phase flow through a curved pipe

Liquid film flow field in gas-liquid-solid three phase flow through a curved pipe were measured by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) for a better understanding of the phase separation phenomena. The results show that the axial velocity is uniform and the secondary flow is negligible in horizontal film. Particles are concentrated to the outer bend of the curved pipe by centrifugal effect. Velocity oscillation plays a negative role in phase separation. While in the upward liquid film, the particle radial motion becomes weaker because axial flow is retarded by gravity and hence centrifugal force is decreased. In addition, the flow intermittency becomes even stronger.