A simulation method for slug flow based on the VOF multiphase flow model was implemented in ANSYS

®

Fluent

via

a user-defined function (UDF) and applied to the dissipation of liquid slugs in the inlet pipe of a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) separator while varying the expanding diameter ratio and angle of inclination. The dissipation of liquid slug in inlet pipe is analyzed under different expanding diameter ratios and inclination angles. In the inlet pipe

it is found that increasing expanding diameter ratio and inclination angle can reduce the liquid slug stability and enhancing the effect of gravity

which is beneficial to slug flow dissipation. In the cylinder

increasing the expanding diameter ratio can significantly reduce the liquid carrying depth of the gas phase but result in a slightly increase of the gas content in the liquid phase space. Moreover

increasing the inclination angle results in a decrease in the carrying depth of liquid in the vapor phase

but enhances gas-liquid mixing and increases the gas-carrying depth in the liquid phase. Taking into consideration the dual effects of slug dissipation in the inlet pipe and carrying capacity of gas/l

iquid spaces in the cylinder

the optimal expanding diameter ratio and inclination angle values can be determined.