Slug Flow Analysis Using Dynamic Spectrum Method in Caesar II

For dynamic analysis Caesar II software provides a very nice module, dynamic module where we
have to simply provide the input parameters to get the output result. Before you start the dynamic
analysis you have to perform conventional static analysis of the system (without using any slug
force) and qualify the system from all criteria. To open the dynamic module in Caesar II click on
dynamic analysis button as shown in Fig.1.

Fig. 1: Opening the Dynamic Module in Caesar II

When you click on the dynamic analysis button following window (Fig.2) will open. Select Slug
Flow (Spectrum) from drop down menu. The window will be filled with some pre-existing data. For
clarity simply select all those and delete. Now we have to provide inputs for analysis.

Fig. 2: Selecting Slug Flow Module in Caesar II

During dynamic analysis our first input will be the generation of spectrum profile. Slug load is one
type of impulse load. So the magnitude of load varies from zero to some maximum value, remains
constant for a time and then reduces to zero again. The force profile can be represented by a
curve as shown in Fig. 3.

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 Fig. 3: Graphical Representation of Slug Force Profile

So from the above profile it is clear that in addition to slug force (Refer Static method of Slug Flow
using Caesar II for calculation of slug force), we need to calculate two additional parameters, a)
Slug Duration and b) Slug Periodicity.

1. Slug Duration: Slug duration is defined as the time required for the slug to cross the elbow.
Mathematically it can be denoted as, Slug Duration=Length of Liquid Slug/Velocity of Flow.

2. Slug Periodicity: Slug Periodicity can be defined as the time interval for two consecutive slugs
hitting the same elbow. So mathematically it can be denoted as, Slug Periodicity = (Length of
Liquid Slug + Length of Gas Slug)/Velocity of Flow.

Lets assume that the calculated slug duration is 8 milliseconds and periodicity is 400 milliseconds
as shown in Fig. 3. We will use these data for generation of spectrum profile.

Now Refer Fig. 4 and input the data as mentioned below:

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 Fig.4: Generation of Spectrum Profile for Slug flow Analysis

When you click on Enter Pulse data it will open the window where we have to enter the data for
spectrum profile generation. From the above curve at time 0 the force is 2120 N the same force will
be active for next 8 milliseconds till the slug crosses the elbow. Then at time 8.1 forces will be
reduced to zero. And the same zero force will be there till 400 milliseconds. Then the next cycle will
start. i.e, at time 400.1 seconds the force will be again 2120 N. That way enter data for at least two
cycles as shown in Fig. 5:

Fig.5: Typical Spectrum Profile for Slug flow Analysis

Clicking Save / Continue button will convert the time history into its equivalent force
response spectrum in terms of Dynamic Load Factor versus Frequency and the screen
Spectrum Table Values as shown in Fig. 5 will appear.
Be sure to specify a unique spectrum name, as this processor will overwrite any existing

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 files of the same name.
By clicking OK, the processor will load the appropriate data in the Spectrum Definitions
tab in Dynamic Input and move the data to the dynamic input

Once the spectrum profile is generated click on force sets button and enter the slug force with
proper direction in the fields as shown in Fig. 6:

Fig.6: Entering slug forces for dynamic slug flow analysis.

Click on the + button to add more rows and button to delete rows.
In force set field input a numeric id which will be used to construct dynamic load cases.

After that click on Spectrum load cases menu and create the required load cases for dynamic
analysis. You have to specify at least two load cases as shown.

Operating + Dynamic for nozzle and support load checking.

Sustained + Dynamic for stress checking.

Refer Fig. 7 for load case preparation

Fig. 7: Load Case preparation for dynamic slug flow analysis

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Finally click on control parameters button and select the load case for which you want to perform
the analysis. Normally operating load case is selected (Refer Fig. 8) for dynamic analysis. Keep all
other parameters as it is. Now click on batch run to obtain the analysis results. Fig 9 shows a
typical analysis results.

Fig.8: Selecting the load case for slug flow analysis

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 Fig. 9: Typical Dynamic Slug Flow Output Reports

This figure shows a typical output screen for dynamic slug flow analysis.
The highlighted node 10 is for nozzle.
All support and nozzle loads to be checked.
Stresses to be kept below code allowable values.
The highlighted direction sign will show other load case combinations.

Few Important Points:

1. Vibration due to any two phase flow can be reduced / arrested by proper supporting of the
piping system. Normally following supports are used:
HOLD DOWN SUPPORTS WITH 0 GAP
GUIDE SUPPORTS WITH 0 GAP
AXIAL STOPS WITH 0 GAP
2. Whenever modifying any support perform static analysis and keep the system stresses within
allowable limit.
3. Sometimes Vibration Absorbing Material (like PTFE) is used to reduce the Transfer of vibration
to connected systems.
4. It is preferred to keep natural frequency of piping system above 4 Hz for Vibration prone lines.
The formation of Slug Flow can be reduced:
By reducing line sizes to a minimum permitted by available pressure differentials.
By using a low point effluent drain or bypass.
By arranging the pipe configurations to protect against slug flow. E.g. in a pocketed line
where liquid can collect, slug flow might develop. Hence pocket is to be avoided.

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