Which description best describes stratified segregated flow?

Which description best describes stratified segregated flow?

• A. The phases are intermingled uniformly.
• B. One phase is dispersed in the other in small droplets.
• C. The phases occupy distinct layers with a smooth interface.
• D. Gas pockets alternate with liquid slugs.

Answer: (C)

Stratified segregated flow occurs when two fluids separate under gravity and form distinct layers inside the conduit, with a clear, relatively smooth boundary between them. The heavier phase occupies one region (often the bottom) and the lighter phase sits above it, with minimal mixing. This description—phases occupying distinct layers with a smooth interface—best matches that flow regime, because it emphasizes the stable, layered arrangement resulting from density differences. The other descriptions describe different regimes: phases intermingling uniformly would mean a mixed or homogeneous flow with no distinct layers; one phase dispersed in the other as small droplets describes a dispersed (mist or droplet) flow; gas pockets alternating with liquid slugs corresponds to slug flow, where large pockets of gas and liquid slugs alternate rather than forming continuous layers.

Stratified segregated flow occurs when two fluids separate under gravity and form distinct layers inside the conduit, with a clear, relatively smooth boundary between them. The heavier phase occupies one region (often the bottom) and the lighter phase sits above it, with minimal mixing. This description—phases occupying distinct layers with a smooth interface—best matches that flow regime, because it emphasizes the stable, layered arrangement resulting from density differences.

The other descriptions describe different regimes: phases intermingling uniformly would mean a mixed or homogeneous flow with no distinct layers; one phase dispersed in the other as small droplets describes a dispersed (mist or droplet) flow; gas pockets alternating with liquid slugs corresponds to slug flow, where large pockets of gas and liquid slugs alternate rather than forming continuous layers.