| Abstract |
This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for simulating the two-phase flow of geothermal fluids through a sharp-edge orifice plate, focusing on the pressure drop and flow characteristics during measurement. The numerical simulations were conducted using the ANSYS Fluent solver, and the results were validated with experimental data from a geothermal well. A mixture method was employed to simulate the combination of steam and liquid phases typically found in geothermal wells. The study explores the CFD model setup, including the selection of appropriate turbulence and phase interaction models, and presents detailed results of the pressure profile, velocity distribution, and discharge coefficient. The CFD results were compared with experimental data, showing excellent agreement with errors in discharge coefficient predictions of less than 1%. This validation demonstrates the accuracy of the CFD model in capturing the behavior of geothermal two-phase flow through an orifice plate. The findings also provide valuable insights into the flow dynamics and pressure drop across the orifice, which are essential for improving the design and operation of geothermal systems. The simulation setup and methodology described in this study serve as a reliable reference for future studies and applications involving two-phase flow in geothermal systems. This research enhances the understanding of geothermal fluid dynamics and contributes to optimizing the design and performance of geothermal power plants. |