A new correlation for the critical mass flux of natural gas mixtures

The calculation of the critical mass flux for natural gas mixtures is a complex process, requiring an accurate equation of state for such mixtures. A convenient correlation would remove the need for such a calculation. In this paper, two previous correlations are analysed and their limitations described. Neither correlation covers the range of compositions likely to be found in the field. Furthermore these correlations are based on older equations of state. A new correlation has been developed that improves significantly on the previous two. The new correlation covers a greater composition range and is valid in the temperature range 270–330 K at pressures up to 12 MPa. The new correlation is based on mass flux values calculated using the AGA8-92 equation of state for natural gas mixtures. The mean error for the total range of temperature, pressure, and composition is 0.075% compared with values calculated using AGA8.