A deflecting pipe bend for transporting a multi-phase flow medium

Abstract

A deflecting pipe bend 100 for transporting a multi-phase flow medium. The deflecting pipe bend 100 comprises: a first pipe section 110 having a first central axis Cl; a second pipe section 120 having a second central axis C2, the first central axis Cl and the second central axis C2 together defining a first plane P; and a curved connecting pipe section 130 connecting the first pipe section 110 to the second pipe section 120. The curved connecting pipe section 130 comprises: a first curved portion 131 connected to the first pipe section 110, the first curved portion 131 having a first center line C3; and a second curved portion 132 connected to the second pipe section 120 and the first curved portion 131, the second curved portion 132 having a second center line C4. The second center line C3 deflects out of the first plane P, and wherein the first center line C3 and the second center line C4 do not intersect.

Description

[0001] A Deflecting Pipe Bend for Transporting a Multi-Phase Flow Medium

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a deflecting pipe bend for transporting a multi-phase flow medium.

[0004] Background

[0005] Wastewater in buildings and especially tall buildings with multiple floors is transported and discharged through pipes. It is desirable that these pipes for transporting wastewater take up minimal space whilst efficiently transporting the wastewater without generating excessive noise. Wastewater is a multi-phase flow medium which can comprise a mixture of liquids, solids and gases.

[0006] Special care needs to be taken when transporting the wastewater around a pipe bend, for example, from a horizontal to a vertical direction, to ensure smooth flow of the multiphase flow medium and maintain a continuous air connection between an inlet and an outlet of the pipe to avoid a build-up of pressure which would disturb the flow and generate noise. Furthermore, it is desirable, when directing the flow of wastewater from a horizontal to a vertical direction to minimise the loss of energy and avoid slowing down the flow, as that may also result in potential blockage of the pipes.

[0007] In view of the above, there is a need in the art for a deflecting pipe bend which can effectively and efficiently direct the flow of a multi-phase flow medium, such as wastewater, around a bend whilst avoiding the build-up of pressure and reducing loss of energy.

[0008] Summary According to the present disclosure there is provided a deflecting pipe bend for transporting a multi-phase flow medium. The deflecting pipe bend comprises: a first pipe section having a first central axis; a second pipe section having a second central axis, the first central axis and the second central axis together defining a first plane; and a curved connecting pipe section connecting the first pipe section to the second pipe section. The curved connecting pipe section comprises: a first curved portion connected to the first pipe section, the first curved portion having a first center line; and a second curved portion connected to the second pipe section and the first curved portion, the second curved portion having a second center line. The second center line deflects out of the first plane, and wherein the first center line and the second center line do not intersect.

[0009] In some embodiments, this may result in a deflecting pipe bend which can effectively and efficiently direct the flow of a multi-phase flow medium, such as wastewater, around a bend. By having two separate curved portions with center lines which do not intersect, rotation of the multi-phase flow medium may be induced which may help to maintain an air connection between an inlet and outlet of the deflecting pipe bend to thereby avoid a build-up of pressure and potential blockage of the pipe bend.

[0010] Throughout this disclosure, the term "center line" will be used to refer to a line which is formed by the geometrical centers of the cross section of the pipe portions.

[0011] The curved connecting pipe section may be asymmetrical about the first plane.

[0012] In some embodiments, this may help to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0013] The shape of the first curved portion and the second curved portion may be configured to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium around the second center line.

[0014] In some embodiments, this may help to maintain an air connection between an inlet and outlet of the deflecting pipe bend to thereby avoid a build-up of pressure and clogging The first central axis and the second central axis may be positioned at an angle of 85 to 100 degrees to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, this may allow a substantially horizontal flow to be converted into a substantially vertical flow.

[0016] The curved connecting pipe section may define a curve inner side and a curve outer side, and may have a bulged portion extending along a portion of the length of the curved connecting pipe section. The bulged portion may have a first dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and a second dimensions extending in a direction parallel to the first axis on the curve outer side.

[0017] In some embodiments, this may help to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0018] In some embodiments, this may further provide more space for the multi-phase flow medium to rotate thereby helping to maintain an air connection between an inlet and an outlet of the deflecting pipe bend and ensure a smoother flow.

[0019] The bulged portion may be positioned on the second curved portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, this may help to ensure the multi-phase flow medium rotate around the second centre line.

[0021] The bulged portion may have an arcuate profile in the first plane.

[0022] In some embodiments, this may help to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium in a smooth manner.

[0023] The bulged portion may have an arcuate profile perpendicular to the first plane. In some embodiments, this may help to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium in a smooth manner.

[0024] The bulged portion may extend along 40% to 80% of the length of the curved connecting pipe section.

[0025] The cross-sectional area of the bulged portion may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section.

[0026] In some embodiments, this may help to provide more space for the multi-phase flow medium to rotate thereby helping to maintain an air connection between an inlet and an outlet of the deflecting pipe bend and ensure a smoother flow.

[0027] The ratio between the maximum cross-sectional area of the bulged portion and the cross- sectional area of the first pipe section may be in the range of 1.5 to 3, preferably 1.8 to 2.7.

[0028] The bulged portion may be located at a position offset from the first central axis.

[0029] The second center line may curve towards the first pipe section.

[0030] The first center line may be positioned within the first plane.

[0031] The first curved portion may further comprise a pocket positioned on a curve inner side.

[0032] In some embodiments, this may allow a flow of the multi-phase flow medium to separate from the main flow and travel below the main flow, resulting in overall smoother flow and an improved air connection between an inlet and outlet of the deflecting pipe bend.

[0033] The cross-sectional area of the first curved portion at the pocket may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section. In some embodiments, this may help to maintain an air connection between an inlet and an outlet of the deflecting pipe bend.

[0034] A cross section of the pocket may have an arcuate profile or a U-shape.

[0035] In some embodiment, this may result in a smoother flow of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0036] The first center line may deflect in a direction perpendicularly out of the plane. The first center line may deflect in the same direction out of the plane as the second center line.

[0037] In some embodiments, this may help to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0038] The first pipe section and the first curved portion may be formed as a single element.

[0039] The first pipe section and the first curved portion may be formed as a single extruded element.

[0040] In some embodiments, this may allow the pipe deflecting bend to be more easily manufactured.

[0041] The second pipe section and the second curved pipe section may be formed as a single element.

[0042] The second pipe section and the second curved pipe section may be formed as a single extruded element.

[0043] In some embodiments, this may allow the pipe deflecting bend to be more easily manufactured.

[0044] The first curved portion may connect to a sidewall of the second curved portion. The second central axis may define a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane. The second center line may be positioned within the second plane.

[0045] In some embodiments, this may allow the pipe deflecting bend to be more easily manufactured.

[0046] The first curved portion may have a substantially circular cross-section along the first center line.

[0047] The second curved portion may have a substantially circular cross-section along the second center line.

[0048] In some embodiments, this may allow the pipe deflecting bend to be more easily manufactured.

[0049] The second curved portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the second pipe section.

[0050] In some embodiments, this may help to provide more space for the multi-phase flow medium to rotate thereby helping to maintain an air connection between an inlet and an outlet of the deflecting pipe bend and ensure a smoother flow.

[0051] The first pipe section may be an inlet pipe section and the second pipe section may be an outlet pipe section.

[0052] The first pipe section may be straight.

[0053] The second pipe section may be straight. According to the present disclosure, there is provided a deflecting pipe bend for transporting a multi-phase flow medium. The deflecting pipe bend comprises a first pipe section having a first central axis; a second pipe section having a second central axis, the first central axis and the second central axis together forming a plane; and a curved connecting pipe section connecting the first pipe section to the second pipe section, the curved connecting pipe section having a curved center line and defining a curve inner side and a curve outer side. The connecting section has a bulged portion extending along a portion of the length of the curved connecting pipe section, the bulged portion having a first dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane and a second dimensions extending in a direction parallel to the first axis on the curve outer side.

[0054] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0055] To enable better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] FIGS. 1A to 1C show a side view, a front view and another side view of a deflecting pipe bend in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0057] FIGS. 2A and 2B show isometric views of the deflecting pipe bend of FIGS. 1A to 1C.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the deflecting pipe bend of FIGS. 1A to 1C.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates the flow of a multi-phase flow medium and air through the deflecting pipe bend of FIGS. 1A to 1C.

[0060] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a perspective view and a front view of another embodiment of a deflecting pipe bend, in accordance with the present disclosure. FIGS. 6A to 6C show a perspective view, a front view and a side view of another embodiment of a deflecting pipe bend, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0061] Detailed Description

[0062] FIGS. 1A to 1C show different views of a deflecting pipe bend 100 for transporting a multiphase flow medium, such as wastewater, for example. FIG. 1A shows a side view of the deflecting pipe bend 100. FIG. IB shows a front view of the deflecting pipe bend. FIG. 1C shows another side view of the deflecting pipe bend 100 from the opposite side of FIG. 1A.

[0063] The deflecting pipe bend 100 has a first pipe section 110 with a first central axis Cl, and a second pipe section 120 with a second central axis C2. The first central axis Cl and the second central axis C2 together are positioned within and define a plane P. The deflecting pipe bend 100 further has a curved connecting pipe section 130 which connects the first pipe section 110 to the second pipe section 120. The curved connecting pipe section 130 comprises a first curved portion 131 which is connected to the first pipe section 110 an has a first center line C3. The curved connecting pipe section 130 further comprises a second curved portion 132 which is connected to the second pipe section 120 and has a second center line C4. As shown in FIG. IB, the second center line C4 deflects out of the plane P. The first center line C3 and the second center line C4 do not intersect (shown in FIGS. 2A and B).

[0064] The deflecting pipe bend 100 thereby allows the flow of a multi-phase flow medium, such as wastewater, to be effectively and efficiently directed around a bend. By having first and second curved portions 131, 132 with first and second center lines C3, C4 which do not intersect, this may help to effectively induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium to help maintain an air connection between an inlet and outlet of the deflecting pipe bend to thereby avoid a build-up of pressure and ensure a smooth flow. The first pipe section 110 may be straight and may form an inlet pipe section for the deflecting pipe bend 100 having an inlet opening 111. The first pipe section 110 may have a circular cross-section to allow it to be connected to another pipe as part of a wastewater pipe system. The second pipe section 120 may also be straight and may form an outlet pipe section having an outlet opening 121. The second pipe section 120 may also have a circular cross section to allow it to be connected to another pipe as part of a wastewater pipe system. The first central axis Cl and the second central axis C2 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to each other. For example, the first axis Cl and the second axis C2 may be positioned at an angle of 85° to 100° to each other, preferably they may be positioned at an angle of 90° to each other. The deflecting pipe bend 100 may be used in order to deflect the flow of multiphase flow medium, such as wastewater, from a horizontal flow to a vertical flow as part of a wastewater pipe system.

[0065] The curved connecting pipe section 130 connects the horizontal first pipe section 110 to the vertical second pipe section 120. The curved connecting pipe section may therefore define a curve corresponding to the angle between the first central axis Cl and the second central axis C2, i.e., a curve of 85° to 90°, and may have a curve outer side and a curve inner side. The curved connecting pipe section 130 may be shaped to be asymmetrical about the plane P and, specifically, may have a bulged portion 133 extending on one side of the plane P along a portion of the length of the curved connection pipe section 130. The shape of the curved connecting pipe section 130 is configured to induce rotation of a multi-phase flow medium about the second center line C4.

[0066] The first curved portion 131 connects to the first pipe section 110 and the second curved portion 132. The first curved portion 132 may have a substantially circular cross section and the first center line C3 may be curve towards the second pipe section 120 and be positioned within the plane P.

[0067] The second curved portion 132 connects to the first curved portion 131 and the second pipe section 132. The second curved portion 132 may have the bulged portion 133 bulging out on one side of the plane P. The bulged portion 133 may extend along a portion of the length of the second curved portion 132 and may have a first dimension DI extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane P on one side of the plane P, as shown in FIG. IB, and a second dimension D2 extending in a direction parallel to the first axis Cl in a direction of the curve outer side, shown in FIG. 1A and 1C. The bulged portion 133 may further have a third dimension D3 extending in a direction parallel to the first axis Cl in a direction of the curve inner side, as also shown in FIG. 1A and 1C.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1A and 1C, the bulged portion 133 may have an arcuate profile on the curve outer side when viewed perpendicular to the plane P. As shown in FIG. IB, the bulged portion 133 may also have an arcuate profile when viewed parallel to the to the plane P. The bulged portion 133 may extend along 40% to 80% of the length of the curved connecting pipe section 130 and may be positioned below or offset from the first axis Cl. The bulged portion 133 may have a greater cross-sectional area than the first pipe section 110 and may also have a greater cross-sectional area than the second pipe section 120. The ratio between the maximum cross-sectional area of the bulged portion 133 and the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section 110 may be in the range of 1.5 to 3.0, particularly, in the range of 1.8 to 2.7. Similarly, the ratio between the maximum cross- sectional area of the bulged portion 133 and the cross-sectional area of the second pipe section 110 may also be in the range of 1.5 to 3.0, particularly, in the range of 1.8 to 2.7. For example, the first pipe section 110 and the second pipe section 120 may have a diameter of 110 mm and the bulged portion 133 may have a diameter of 154 mm.

[0069] The bulged portion 133 may cause the second center line C4 to deflect or bend out of the plane P, as shown in FIG. IB. As the first center line C3 is positioned within the plane P, the first center line C3 and the second center line C4 do not intersect.

[0070] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show isometric views of the deflecting pipe bend 100 which show the position of the first center line C3 and second center line C4 relative to each other more clearly. As shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, the first center line C3 and the second center line C4 do not intersect. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the deflecting pipe bend 100 which illustrates the bulged portion 133 more clearly.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the bulged portion 133 has a greater cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the second pipe section 120. Relative to the second pipe section 120, the bulged portion 133 may bulge or extends in a first dimension DI perpendicular to the plane P. The bulged portion 133 may further extend or bulge in a second dimension D2 parallel to the first axis Cl in a direction of the curve outer side and in a third dimension D3 parallel to the first axis C2 in a direction of the curve inner side. The cross sectional shape of the bulged portion 133 may be substantially circular or oval.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates the flow Fl of a multi-phase flow medium, such as wastewater, through the deflecting pipe bend 100. The flow Fl of the multi-phase flow medium may enter the deflecting pipe bend 100 through the inlet opening 111 of the first pipe section 110 as a horizontal flow. The flow Fl may then enter the first curved portion 131 which curves downwards causing the flow Fl to curve downwards. The flow may then enter the second curved portion 132 with the bulged portion 133. The asymmetrical shape of the second curved portion 132 and the offset between the two center lines C3 and C4 causes the flow Fl to rotate about the second center line C4. The increased cross-sectional area of the bulged portion 133 provides more space for the flow Fl to rotate and helps to ensure an air connection between the inlet and the outlet resulting in a smooth flow and no build-up of pressure. The flow Fl then enters the second pipe section 120 as a vertical flow and exits the deflecting pipe bend 100 through the outlet opening 121.

[0073] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a deflecting pipe bend 200. The same reference signs will be used herein to refer to features which are the same across different embodiments. The deflecting pipe bend 200 is similar to the deflecting pipe bend 100 in that it comprises a first pipe section 110 with a first central axis Cl, a second pipe section 120 with a second central axis C2, and a curved connecting pipe section 130 connecting the first pipe section 110 to the second pipe section 120. The curved connecting pipe section has a first curved portion 230 with a first center line C3 and a second curved portion 132 with a second center line C4 and a bulged portion 133. The first center line C3 and the second center line C4 do not intersect.

[0074] The deflecting pipe bend 200 differs from deflecting pipe bend 100 in that the first curved portion 230 further comprises a pocket 231 positioned on the curve inner side of the first curved portion. The pocket 231 may have a cross section with an arcuate profile and may be substantially U-shaped. The pocket 231 has the effect of increasing the cross-sectional area of the first curved portion 230 such that the cross-sectional area of the first curved portion 230 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section 110. The pocket 231 may be formed to gradually increase the cross-sectional area of the first curved portion 230 in a direction of flow. In other words, the pocket 231 may be smaller at the end where the first curved portion is connected to the first pipe section 110 and larger at the end where the first curved portion 230 connects to the second curved portion 132.

[0075] FIG. 5B shows a front view of the deflecting pipe bend 200 which illustrates the shape of the pocket 231 in more detail. As noted above, the pocket 231 can have an arcuate or U- shaped profile. The pocket 231 may be asymmetrical about the plane P. A first portion 231A of the pocket 231, positioned on the opposite side of the plane P from the bulged portion 133 (which extend in direction DI), may extend further from the first center line C3 than a second portion 231B of the pocket 231, positioned on the same side of the plane P as the bulged portion 133. In other words, an apex 231C of the pocket 231 is positioned on the opposite side of the plane P from the bulged portion 133. This helps the multi-phase flow medium flowing through the deflecting pipe bend 200 to accumulate on the side of the plane opposite the bulged portion 133 which results in improved rotation of the multi-phase flow medium through the bulged portion 133 and around the second center line C4.

[0076] The pocket 231 may improve the flow characteristics of the multi-phase flow medium travelling through the deflecting pipe bend 200 and result in a smoother flow and help to maintain an air connection between the inlet and outlet of the deflecting pipe bend 200. Specifically, the pocket 231 causes the multi-phase flow medium entering the deflecting pipe bend 200 to divide into a sub flow flowing through the pocket 231 and a main flow. The sub flow separates from the main flow and travels below the main flow in the pocket 231 through the first curved portion 230. The sub flow then enters the second curved portion 132 below the main flow making it easier to smoothly induce rotation separately in the sub flow and the main flow. This may result in a smoother flow when the flow is flowing through the second curved portion 132 and rotating about the second center line C4.

[0077] FIGS. 6A to 6C show another alternative embodiment of a deflecting pipe bend 300. FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the pipe bend 300, whilst FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C show a front view and a side view of the deflecting pipe bend 300, repsectively. The deflecting pipe bend 300 also has a first pipe section 310 with a first central axis Cl' and a second pipe section 320 with a second central axis C2. The first pipe section 310 and the second pipe section 120 may be substantially the same as first pipe section 110 and second pipe section 120 of deflecting pipe bend 100 and may have a respective inlet opening 311 and outlet opening 321. The first central axis Cl' and the second central axis C2' may be positioned within and define a first plane Pl.

[0078] The deflecting pipe bend 300 also comprises a curved connecting pipe section 330 which connects the first pipe section 310 to the second pipe section 320. The curved connecting pipe section 330 has a first curved portion 331 with a first center line C3' and a second curved portion 332 with a second center line C4'. The first curved portion 331 is joined to the first pipe section 310 and the second curved portion 332, and the second curved portion 332 is joined to the first curved portion 331 and the second pipe section 321. The second center line C3' deflects out of the first plane Pl, as shown in FIG. 6B, and the first center line C3 and the second center line C4' do not intersect.

[0079] The first curved portion 331 may have a substantially circular cross section throughout.

[0080] The diameter of the first curved portion 331 may increase from the end where it is connected to the first pipe section 310 to the end where it is connected to the second curved portion 332. The first center line C3' may also deflect out of the first plane Pl in the same direction as the second center line C4', as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0081] The second curved portion 332 may also have a substantially circular cross section throughout. The diameter of the second curved portion 332 may also increase from the end where it is connected to the second pipe section 320 to the end where it is connected to the first curved portion 331. The second center line C4' deflects out of the first plane Pl in the same direction as the first center line C3, as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0082] FIG. 6C shows a side view of the deflecting pipe bend 300. As shown in FIG. 6, when viewed perpendicular to the first plane Pl, the first center line C3' and the second center line C4' may both be straight and positioned substantially perpendicular to each other. The second central axis C2' may further define a second plane P2 which is perpendicular to the first plane Pl. The second central axis C4' may be positioned within the second plane P2 and not deflect out of the second plane P2.

[0083] The first curved portion 331 may connect to a sidewall of the second curved portion 332. The deflection of the first center line C3' out of the plane P together with the deflection of the second center line C4' out of the plane P results in the first center line C3' and the second center line C4' being offset relative to each other such that they do not intersect. The offset between the first and second center lines C3', C4' at the point where the first curved portion 331 and the second curved portion 332 are connected helps to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium flowing through the deflecting pipe bend 300. The increased diameter or cross-sectional area of the first curved portion 331 and the second curved portion 332 at the point where they are connected provides increased space for the multi-phase flow medium to rotate and thereby helps to maintain a continuous air connection between the inlet and outlet and result in a smoother flow.

[0084] The first pipe section 310 and the first curved portion 331 may be formed as a single element, for example, through an extrusion process. Similarly, the second pipe section 320 and the second curved portion 332 may be formed as a single element, for example, through an extrusion process. The first curved portion 331 may then be connected to a sidewall of the second curved portion 332.

[0085] The deflecting pipe bend 300 functions in a similar way to deflecting pipe 100 above. A horizontal flow of a multi-phase flow medium, such as wastewater, enters the deflecting pipe bend through the first pipe section 310. The flow then enters the first curved portion 331 and is deflected out of the plane P. At the point where the first curved portion 331 and the second curved portion 332 meet, there is an offset between the first center line C3' and the second center line C4 which induces rotation of the flow around the second center line C4. The flow then travels as a rotating vertical flow through the second curved portion 332 and exits the deflecting pipe bend 300 through the second pipe section 320. The deflecting pipe bend 300 can effectively and efficiently direct the flow of a multiphase flow medium, such as wastewater, around a bend. The design effectively induces rotation of the flow around the second center line C4' which results in a smooth flow and helps to maintain an air connection between the inlet 311 and outlet 321 of the deflecting pipe bend 300 to thereby avoid a build-up of pressure and potential clogging.

[0086] Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0087] The first central axis Cl and the second central axis C2 are not limited to being positioned substantially perpendicular to each other but may be positioned at an angle less than 85 degrees or greater than 100 degrees to each other.

[0088] The bulged portion 133 is not limited to being positioned on the second curved portion 132 but could also be partly positioned on the first curved portion 131, for example.

[0089] The bulged portion 133 is not limited to having an arcuate profile in the in the plane or perpendicular to the plane but may take any suitable shape. The bulged portion 133 is not limited to being positioned at a position offset from the first central axis but may, for example, partially overlap with the first central axis Cl.

[0090] The pocket 231 is not limited to an arcuate profile or U-shape but may take any other suitable shape such as a V-shape, for example.

[0091] The first connecting pipe section 331 and the first pipe section 310 may be formed as separate elements and the connected or joined. Similarly, the second connecting pipe section 332 and the second pipe section 320 may be formed as separate elements and then joined.

[0092] The first curved portion 331 may not be connected to a sidewall of the second curved portion 332. For example, the second curved portion 332 may be connected to a sidewall of the first curved portion 331 or the ends of the first curved portion 331 and the second curved portion 332 may be connected together.

[0093] The first curved portion 131, 331 is not limited to having a substantially circular cross section but may have any other suitable shape such as oval, for example.

[0094] The second curved portion 132, 332 is not limited to having a substantially circular cross section but may have any other suitable shape such as oval, for example.

[0095] All of the above are fully within the scope of the present disclosure and are considered to form the basis for alternative embodiments in which one or more combinations of the above-described features are applied, without limitation to the specific combination disclosed above.

[0096] In light of this, there will be many alternatives which implement the teaching of the present disclosure. It is expected that one skilled in the art will be able to modify and adapt the above disclosure to suit its own circumstances and requirements within the scope of the present disclosure, while retaining some or all technical effects of the same, either disclosed or derivable from the above, in light of his common general knowledge in this art. All such equivalents, modifications or adaptations fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0097] The following numbered statements also form part of the present disclosure and set out particular combinations of features which are considered relevant to particular embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0098] 1. A deflecting pipe bend for transporting a multi-phase flow medium. The deflecting pipe bend comprises a first pipe section having a first central axis; a second pipe section having a second central axis, the first central axis and the second central axis together forming a plane; and a curved connecting pipe section connecting the first pipe section to the second pipe section, the curved connecting pipe section having a curved center line and defining a curve inner side and a curve outer side. The curved connecting section has a bulged portion extending along a portion of the length of the curved connecting pipe section, the bulged portion having a first dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane and a second dimensions extending in a direction parallel to the first axis on the curve outer side.

[0099] 2. The deflecting pipe bend of statement 1, wherein the curved connecting pipe section is asymmetrical about the first plane.

[0100] 3. The deflecting pipe bend of statement 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the first curved portion and the second curved portion is configured to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium around the second center line.

[0101] 4. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 1 to 3, wherein the first central axis and the second central axis are positioned at an angle of 85 to 100 degrees to each other.

[0102] 5. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 1 to 4, wherein the curved connecting pipe section defines a curve inner side and a curve outer side, and has a bulged portion extending along a portion of the length of the curved connecting pipe section, the bulged portion having a first dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and a second dimensions extending in a direction parallel to the first axis on the curve outer side.

[0103] 6. The deflecting pipe bend of statement 5, wherein the bulged portion is positioned on the second curved portion.

[0104] 7. The deflecting pipe bend of statement 5 or 6, wherein the bulged portion has an arcuate profile in the first plane.

[0105] 8. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 5 to 7, wherein the bulged portion has an arcuate profile perpendicular to the first plane.

[0106] 9. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 5 to 8, wherein the bulged portion extends along 40% to 80% of the length of the curved connecting pipe section.

[0107] 10. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 5 to 9, wherein the cross-sectional area of the bulged portion is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section.

[0108] 11. The deflecting pipe bend of statement 10, wherein the ratio between the maximum cross-sectional area of the bulged portion and the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section may be in the range of 1.5 to 3.0, optionally in the range of 1.8 to 2.7.

[0109] 12. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 5 to 11, wherein the bulged portion is located at a position offset from the first central axis.

[0110] 13. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 1 to 12, wherein the second center line curves towards the first pipe section. 14. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 1 to 13, wherein the first center line is positioned within the first plane.

[0111] 15. The deflecting pipe bend of any of statements 1 to 14, wherein the first curved portion further comprises a pocket positioned on a curve inner side.

[0112] 16. The deflecting pipe bend of statement 15, wherein the cross-sectional area of the first curved portion at the pocket is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section.

[0113] 17. The deflecting pipe bend of statement 15 or 16, wherein a cross section of the pocket has an arcuate profile or a U-shape.

Claims

Claims1. A deflecting pipe bend for transporting a multi-phase flow medium, comprising: a first pipe section having a first central axis; a second pipe section having a second central axis, the first central axis and the second central axis together defining a first plane; and a curved connecting pipe section connecting the first pipe section to the second pipe section, the curved connecting pipe section comprising: a first curved portion connected to the first pipe section, the first curved portion having a first center line; and a second curved portion connected to the second pipe section and the first curved portion, the second curved portion having a second center line, wherein the second center line deflects out of the first plane, and wherein the first center line and the second center line do not intersect.

2. The deflecting pipe bend of claim 1, wherein the curved connecting pipe section is asymmetrical about the first plane.

3. The deflecting pipe bend of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the first curved portion and the second curved portion is configured to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium around the second center line.

4. The deflecting pipe bend of any preceding claim, wherein the first central axis and the second central axis are positioned at an angle of 85 to 100 degrees to each other.

5. The deflecting pipe bend of any preceding claim, wherein the curved connecting pipe section defines a curve inner side and a curve outer side, and has a bulged portion extending along a portion of the length of the curved connecting pipe section, the bulged portion having a first dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and a second dimensions extending in a direction parallel to the first axis on the curve outer side.

6. The deflecting pipe bend of claim 5, wherein the bulged portion is positioned on the second curved portion.

7. The deflecting pipe bend of claim 5 or 6, wherein the bulged portion has an arcuate profile in the first plane.

8. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the bulged portion has an arcuate profile perpendicular to the first plane.

9. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the bulged portion extends along 40% to 80% of the length of the curved connecting pipe section.

10. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the cross-sectional area of the bulged portion is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section.

11. The deflecting pipe bend of claim 10, wherein the ratio between the maximum cross-sectional area of the bulged portion and the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section may be in the range of 1.5 to 3.0, optionally in the range of 1.8 to 2.7.

12. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 5 to 11, wherein the bulged portion is located at a position offset from the first central axis.

13. The deflecting pipe bend of any preceding claim, wherein the second center line curves towards the first pipe section.

14. The deflecting pipe bend of any preceding claim, wherein the first center line is positioned within the first plane.

15. The deflecting pipe bend of any preceding claim, wherein the first curved portion further comprises a pocket positioned on a curve inner side.

16. The deflecting pipe bend of claim 15, wherein the cross-sectional area of the first curved portion at the pocket is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first pipe section.

17. The deflecting pipe bend of claim 15 or 16, wherein a cross section of the pocket has an arcuate profile or a U-shape.

18. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first center line deflects in a direction perpendicularly out of the plane.

19. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claim 1 to 4 and 18, wherein the first pipe section and the first curved portion are formed as a single element.

20. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 1 to 4 and 18 to 19, wherein the second pipe section and the second curved pipe section are formed as a single element.

21. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 1 to 4 and 18 to 20, wherein the first curved portion connects to a sidewall of the second curved portion.

22. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 1 to 4 and 18 to 21, wherein the second central axis defines a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane, and the second center line is positioned within the second plane.

23. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 1 to 4 and 18 to 22, wherein the first curved portion has a substantially circular cross-section along the first center line.

24. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 1 to 4 and 18 to 23, wherein the second curved portion has a substantially circular cross-section along the second center line.

25. The deflecting pipe bend of any of claims 1 to 4 and 18 to 24, wherein the second curved portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the second pipe section.

26. The deflecting pipe bend of any preceding claim, wherein the first pipe section is an inlet pipe section and the second pipe section is an outlet pipe section.

27. The deflecting pipe bend of any preceding claim, wherein the first pipe section is straight.

28. The deflecting pipe bend of any preceding claim, wherein the second pipe section is straight.

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