Image Analysis for Plug Bubbles in Horizontal Flow

Abstract

Horizontal plug flow is different from horizontal slug flow in that relatively few small bubbles exist in plug flow, whereas slug flow is characterized by highly aerated liquid slugs and liquid films. While the nose position and nose propagation velocity of plug bubbles may provide physical insights in understanding the flow regime transition mechanism between the plug and slug flows, few systematic investigations on these parameters have been performed in previous research. In view of this, this paper presents the development of an image processing method for the purpose of (a) obtaining data for nose position and nose propagation velocity of plug bubbles and (b) benchmarking local four-sensor conductivity probe measurements of time-averaged bubble velocity and void fraction. (authors)