Single and multiple discharge from a stratified two-phase region through small branches Original Research Article

Experimental data are presented for the mass flow rate and quality during single, dual and triple discharge from a stratified air–water region through small side branches (d=6.35 mm) installed on a semicircular wall. Dimensions of the semicircular wall and branches were chosen such that interaction among the branches is possible under certain flow conditions. All the branches were adjusted to have the same hydraulic resistance (R=1000 (kg m)−1/2) and for the cases of dual and triple discharge, the same pressure drop ΔP was imposed across all active branches. Tests were conducted at two system pressures P0=316 and 517 kPa and the pressure drop was varied within the range 40≤ΔP≤235 kPa. Data analysis is presented with emphasis on the effect of wall curvature and also the effect of additional discharges on the flow from a certain branch. The present data can serve as benchmark data for testing numerical safety codes and they should guide future research on the flow from two-phase headers.