This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is an investigation of two-phase (slackline) flow in pipelines. The objective is to develop a simple, robust, numerical model of slack-line flow which can be incorporated into real-time transient simulations of pipeline flow used for leak detection, batch tracking, and inventory management. An approximate theoretical model of slack-line flow will be developed which makes use of known (or suspected) features of slack-line flow which makes it simpler than the general two-phase flow problem. The assumptions of the model regarding the two-phase topology will be checked by a laboratory experiment with small, clear pipes in which slack-line flow can be created and controlled. The model will be programmed for numerical integration in conjunction with a single-phase model for the rest of the pipeline. The numerical results will be checked against a rigorous transient two-phase flow model which has already been developed. Experiments will be conducted with an operating pipeline on which slack-line flow can be created by the operators, with the objective of testing the accuracy of the slack-line flow model in calculating bubble growth and shrinkage rates. It is anticipated that the model will be correct, or correctable by minor adjustments of parameters.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9460861
Program Officer
Kesh S. Narayanan
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1995-01-01
Budget End
1995-09-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
$63,233
Indirect Cost
Name
Modisette Associates Inc
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77017