Determination of cross-sectional void fraction in a two-phase water flow through a PVC pipe

Abstract

Gamma ray transmission method for void faction measurement studies is in rare use in Nigeria, especially in industries and research. The study used this method to determine the cross-sectional void fraction of two-phase water flow through a Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipechannel. The gamma-ray counts transmitted through the water pipe were recorded and used to calculate the void fraction using a semi-empirical approach. Void ratio values varying from 0.171 – 0.036 were obtained for water flow rates ranging between 0.5gal/min - 4.0gal/min at estimated constant air flow rate. Conclusively, the experimental results compared well with Chisholm theoretical model predictions of void ratio applicable to horizontal flow. The use of two or more theoretical model predictions is recommended for further comparative study with experimental process. Also, more use of gamma ray transmission method should be encouraged.