Numerical Study of Multiphase Water–Glycerol Emulsification Process in a Y-Junction Horizontal Pipeline

Abstract

This work aims to analyse different injection configurations for the analysis of the emulsification process in a Y-junction staggered horizontal pipeline. The case study comprises a multiphase analysis between two liquids, one with high and the other with low viscosity. Through numerical simulations, it is intended to explain the behaviour and describe the mechanism that produces the water–glycerol emulsification process with three supply zones for both fluids. According to the phase injection scheme, six input scenarios or combinations were analysed. Through strain rate and shear velocity analyses, it was possible to describe the early stages of the emulsification process before a flow pattern is constituted. The results show significant variations concerning the high viscosity fluid, mainly because it presents a partial pipe flooding, even in the injection zone of the low viscosity fluid. The fluid ratio varies according to the input position of the phases. Additionally, a smooth blending process was observed in some scenarios, due to the fact that the continuous phase gradually directs the main fluid to the pipeline centre. The analysis revealed that supply configuration has a significant relevance on the development of the main fluid flow and a substantial extent on the emulsification process.

Keywords

• numerical study
• multiphase flow
• Y-junction pipe
• high-viscosity fluids
• flow evolution