Stability of Steam-Water Countercurrent Flow in an Inclined Channel: Flooding

Flooding of stratified countercurrent steam-water flow in nearly-horizontal and in inclined flat-plate geometries is investigated. An envelope theory for onset of flooding in inclined stratified flow is developed, which agrees better with the experimental data than other theories. In addition, some basic flow parameters, such as mean film thickness and interfacial friction factor in the roll-wave regime (near-flooding) have been measured. Empirical correlations for these parameters were sought, which are essential in the flooding analysis.