One-dimensional multiphase flow models on a coarse grid – theoretical and practical issues

When simulating multiphase flow in long pipelines, it is natural to consider simplifying the models to a one-dimensional form, and this has proved to be a very successful strategy. Thirty years ago, IFE used expertise derived from nuclear energy research to produce a simulator for two-phase pipeline flows of gas and oil - that simulator has since evolved and grown through continued research and development into a very successful commercial software application. This presentation will address some of the theoretical and practical challenges imposed by the constraints of a one-dimensional modelling approach and the use of a coarse grid. Significant progress has been made in the modelling of separated (stratified) flow, but the indications are that there is still much to be gained from further research on flows with dispersions and intermittent (slug, churn, large wave) flows.