Static Analysis of Slug flow: A Presentation

for Beginners
The purpose of this article is to explain the static analysis of slug flow using Caesar II. This
article will cover the following points in brief:

 Introduction
 Calculation of Slug Force
 Static Analysis
 Inputs Required
 Assumptions
 Case Study showing an example

INTRODUCTION

 Slug Flow is typical two phase flow where a wave is picked up periodically by the
rapidly moving gas to form a frothy slug, which passes along the pipe at a greater
velocity than the average liquid velocity.
 In this type of flow, slugs can cause severe and, in some cases, dangerous vibrations
in piping systems because of the impact of the high-velocity slugs against fittings
such as bend, Tee etc.
 Slug flows generate dynamic fluid forces, which may induce structural vibration.

Slug Flow

 Excessive vibration may lead to component failures due to fatigue or resonance.

 Such vibration problem may be avoided by thorough analysis, preferably at design
stage.
 Two types of Analysis Methods are prevalent- o Static Analysis and o Dynamic
Analysis
 Examples of Slug flow: o Vacuum Transfer Lines o Condenser Outlet Lines
o Re-boiler Return Lines o Fired Heater outlets o Boiler Blow down lines.

SLUG FORCE

 Slug force is equal to the change in momentum with respect to time. Refer the below
attached figure:
Diagram Showing Slug Force Application

 Use the following equations to calculate Slug Force.

 Multiply the calculated value with a suitable DLF. Normally a DLF of 2.0 is common
to use.