1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for modelling steady state as well as transient multiphase flows such as hydrocarbon mixtures circulating in pipeline networks taking into account a set of variables defining fluid properties and flow patterns, as well as dimensions or slope angles of the pipelines.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Prior art relating to multi-phase
Fabre, J., et al 1983. Intermittent gas-liquid flow in horizontal or slightly inclined pipes, Int. Conference on the Physical Modelling of Multi-Phase Flow, Coventry, England, pp 233, 254 PA1 Fabre, J., et al 1989. Two fluid/two flow pattern model for transient gas liquid flow in pipes, Int. Conference on Multi-Phase Flow, Nice, France, pp 269, 284, Cranfield, BHRA. PA1 characterizing flow regimes by a parameter .beta. representing the fraction of a flow in a separated state, said parameter .beta. continuously ranging from 0 for dispersed flow regimes and 1 for separated flow regimes; PA1 determining any current flow regime while determining said set of transport equations by comparing current values of a liquid fraction in slugs with respect to a liquid fraction in a dispersed region of the flow, as well as gas slug velocity with respect to a critical velocity; and PA1 imposing while solving said closure relations continuity constraints at the boundaries between said regimes to the respective gas volume fractions and to the slug velocities.