Two-phase flow in a narrow annular channel between stationary and rotating cylinders

Abstract

The results of a numerical study of three-dimensional two-phase flow in a channel between coaxial cylinders, which arises due to axial pressure drop and rotation of the inner cylinder, are presented. The finite volume method on a structured mesh with local refinement is used to solve the system of Navier–Stokes equations. The calculations are performed with the help of the OpenFOAM software package. Analysis of the flow structure and distribution of the gas phase in the annular channel depending on the rotation speed of the inner cylinder is carried out. The addition of the gas phase to the liquid flow leads to the occurrence of torque oscillations and an increase in the average torque value.

Keywords

• two-phase flow
• annular channel
• torque