Abstract
This paper describes the results from an investigation into the use of a fluidic vortex amplifier for controlling two-phase gas/liquid flow. A two-phase flow facility has been built and an axial vortex amplifer, designed to suit a 75 mm pipe, has been manufactured and tested. The results show that the vortex amplifier operates satisfactorily in cavitating and two-phase flow but that there is a reduction in the performance as measured by the turn-down ratio. However, it is clearly demonstrated that this is due to the increased resistance of the vortex amplifier to the two-phase supply flow and that the control flow characteristics remain unaffected by the nature of the supply flow.
To provide an illustration of how a vortex amplifier might be used for controlling two-phase flow, its application as a separator control valve has been suggested.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.