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Air-water flow in a 20 mm horizontal pipe is studied using side-view visualization with a background image and Brightness-Based Laser-Induced Fluorescence technique. The investigation is focused on the transition from stratified to annular flow patterns. Stratified flow is organized at the pipe inlet, and the dynamics of liquid lifting up the pipe walls is investigated. During the transition to annular flow, the liquid film is spread over the pipe walls in a stable and gradual manner; the spreading begins before the disturbance waves are formed. Two transition regimes are identified. At large gas and low liquid flow rates, the film is spread up the pipe walls reaching a stable height unaffected by the passing waves. At low gas and large liquid flow rates, the liquid can be lifted by the large-scale waves, but it promptly drains downwards between the waves. Secondary flow in the gas phase is considered the main mechanism of …