Numerical Simulation of the Flow Pattern of Spiral Annular Flow with a Guide Strip by Spiral On-Way

[Image: see text] To study the gas–liquid two-phase spiral annular flow pattern and its conversion law in a horizontal tube with twist tape by spiral on-way, a numerical simulation is carried out using the RNG k-ε model, and the DPM model is adopted as the particle motion model. The research results show that three main flow patterns are obtained, which are spiraling churn flow, spiraling annular flow, and spiraling annular twine flow. The ratio of the liquid-phase to gas-phase velocity V(L)/V(G) is the main factor that affects the existence of the gas phase. When V(L)/V(G) > 1/2, the flow pattern is a spiral cluster flow; when 1/5 < V(L)/V(G)< 1/2, the flow pattern is a spiral annular flow; and when V(L)/V(G) < 1/5, the flow pattern is a spiral annular flow. Compared with the flow pattern of the local spiral flow pattern of the short twisted band, it was found that the occurrence conditions of annular flow were postponed and a new flow pattern appeared. The research results of this paper have guiding significance for the pipeline risk management of natural gas hydrates and the engineering application of the full rotation of guide strips.