Multiphase Boom Flow Loop

For conducting erosion and sand monitoring experiments, TUSMP and E/CRC have built an experimental setup referred to as the Multiphase Boom Flow Loop (Figure 1). This is a large-scale boom loop that was designed for operating at high gas and liquid rates and has two separate test sections (2 or 3-inch and 4-inch). Data from two different test sections can be collected individually or at the same time depending on the requirements.
Both 2 or 3-inch and 4-inch test sections are mounted on the same boom as shown in Figure 2. The boom can be in the horizontal or vertical orientation depending on the experimental requirements. As shown in the figure, the test sections are designed for sufficient upstream length to promote fully developed flow near the sand or erosion monitors. The test sections are about 18 m (60 ft) long. Part of the test section is made of transparent pipe to visualize the multiphase flow regime.
The experiments can be conducted with either one of the test sections or both test sections at the same time. For gas flow, two diesel compressors are used. They have a maximum gas flow rate capacity of 260 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 230 psi. The gas flow rate is controlled by two different valves. Two ABB TRI-WIRL turbine flow meters are mounted to measure the volumetric flow rate. The maximum gas flow rate that can be achieved in the 2-inch test section is about 240 ft/s (73 m/s) and is about 90 ft/s (27.4 m/s) in the 4-inch test section.
For liquid-sand injection, the slurry tank is filled with water and sand. An electric motor is used to operate the stirrer at a constant speed to ensure a homogeneous mixture. This slurry tank is connected to a pneumatically operated positive displacement pump. Flow meters are installed to determine the flow rate of liquid. The maximum liquid rate that can be achieved in 2-inch test section is 6 ft/s (1.8 m/s) and is about 1.5 ft/s (0.45 m/s) in the 4-inch test section.