Trefasflöden

Trefasflöden, often translated as three-phase flow, refers to the simultaneous movement of three distinct phases within a conduit. These phases are typically a liquid, a gas, and a solid. This type of flow is prevalent in numerous natural and industrial processes. Examples include oil and gas extraction, where crude oil (liquid), natural gas (gas), and sand or other solids are transported through pipelines. Other applications can be found in chemical engineering, such as in catalytic reactors or fluidized beds, and in environmental engineering, for instance, in wastewater treatment or sediment transport in rivers.

The behavior of trefasflöden is complex and depends on a multitude of factors including the properties of each phase (density, viscosity, particle size distribution), flow rates, pipe geometry, and the presence of surface tension. Understanding and predicting trefasflöden is crucial for efficient process design, operation, and safety in these industries. Research in this area often focuses on developing accurate models for pressure drop, phase distribution, and holdup, as well as experimental techniques to visualize and measure these complex flows. Different flow regimes, such as stratified, bubbly, slug, or annular flow, can occur depending on these parameters, each presenting unique challenges for analysis and control.