Have mass flow rate, want superficial vapour velocity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the superficial vapor velocity in a pipe divided into three sections, where the first section contains liquid water, the second section involves heated water with known steam quality, and the third section has a mixture of water and vapor. Participants explore the relationships between mass flow rate, vapor quality, and superficial velocities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that knowing the steam quality allows for the calculation of the mass flow rate of vapor using the relationship x = mdot-vapour / mdot-total.
  • Another participant questions the definition of superficial velocity, implying that it may have different interpretations.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about whether their understanding of superficial velocity as "the velocity of the phase as if it is the only phase moving through the cross section" is correct.
  • There is a mention of needing both the Superficial Vapour Velocity and Superficial Liquid Velocity to reference Flow Regime tables.
  • A later reply suggests that the initial participant may have answered their own question, but this is met with uncertainty regarding the correctness of their assumptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of superficial velocity, and there remains uncertainty about the correctness of the calculations and assumptions made regarding the vapor velocity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential ambiguities in definitions and the need for clarity in assumptions regarding flow regimes and velocity calculations.

daPope
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Hi guys, quick simple question.

Lets say I have a pipe separated into 3 sectoins (all horizontal), all have the same flow areas.

In the first section it is all liquid water. I know the mass flow rate in this.

In the second section the water is heated. And I can work out the steam quality here.

In the third section there is a mixture of water and vapour. I would like to know the superficial vapour velocity in this section.

-------------------------

If I know the quality, that means I know the mass flow rate of vapour, from x = mdot-vapour / mdot-total, right?

From mdot-vapour [kg/s], could I multiply it by the specific volume [m3/kg] to get the volumetric flow rate of vapour?

If I have the volumetric flow rate of vapour, I should be able to just get the vapour superficial velocity by dividing volumetric flow rate over flow area, right?
 
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It depends. What is your definition of superficial velocity?

Chet
 
I don't know, are there any other meanings to Superficial Velocity than "the velocity of the phase as if it is the only phase moving through the cross section"?

I really only need the Superficial Vapour Velocity and Superfacial Liquid Velocity and look up the values on Flow Regime tables to see what "Flow Regime" that section of the pipe is on.
 
daPope said:
I don't know, are there any other meanings to Superficial Velocity than "the velocity of the phase as if it is the only phase moving through the cross section"?

I really only need the Superficial Vapour Velocity and Superfacial Liquid Velocity and look up the values on Flow Regime tables to see what "Flow Regime" that section of the pipe is on.
It looks like you've answered your own question.

Chet
 
I've only answered my own question if what I assumed above makes sense :) Which I'm not sure of.

I take your reply to mean that I have worked it out the proper way?
 

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