A pipe branch piece for transporting a multi-phase flow medium

Abstract

A pipe branch piece 100 for transporting a multi-phase flow medium. The pipe branch piece 100 comprises an inlet pipe section 110 having a first central axis Cl; an outlet pipe section 130 having a second central axis C2; a side inlet pipe section 150; a diverting pipe section 120 which connects the inlet pipe section 110 to the outlet pipe section 130, the diverting section 120 having a centre line C3; and a connecting pipe section 140 which connects to the side inlet pipe 150 section and is configured to direct a flow of the multi-phase flow medium from the side inlet pipe section 150 to the outlet pipe section 130. The first central axis Cl and the second central axis C2 are positioned within a plane P. The centre line C3 of the diverting pipe section 120 has an arcuate shape in a first view perpendicular to the plane P and an S-shape in a second view parallel to the plane P and perpendicular to the first central axis Cl.

Description

[0001] A Pipe Branch Piece for Transporting a Multi-Phase Flow Medium

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a pipe branch piece 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 by eliminating separate ventilation stacks whilst efficiently transporting the wastewater without generating excessive noise. Wastewater is a multiphase flow medium which can comprise a mixture of liquids, solids and gases.

[0006] Special care needs to be taken when multiple different wastewater flows are joined, for example, a horizontal and a vertical flow, to ensure smooth joining of flows and maintenance of an air connection between the inlet and the outlet to avoid a build-up of pressure which could disturb the flow and result in unwanted noise or potential blockage of the pipes. Furthermore, it is desirable, when combining the flow of wastewater from a vertical flow and a horizontal flow to minimise the loss of energy and ensure that the two flows are travelling at a similar speed when they are joined so that they can be joined in a smooth manner.

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

[0008] Summary In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pipe branch piece for transporting a multi-phase flow medium. The pipe branch piece comprises an inlet pipe section having a first central axis; an outlet pipe section having a second central axis; a side inlet pipe section; a diverting pipe section which connects the inlet pipe section to the outlet pipe section, the diverting section having a centre line; and a connecting pipe section which connects to the side inlet pipe section and is configured to direct a flow of the multi-phase flow medium from the side inlet pipe section to the outlet pipe section. The first central axis and the second central axis are positioned within a plane. The centre line of the diverting pipe section may have an arcuate shape in a first view perpendicular to the plane and an S-shape in a second view parallel to the plane and perpendicular to the first central axis.

[0009] In some embodiments, this may result in a pipe branch piece which can effectively and efficiently combine two flows of a multi-phase flow medium, such as wastewater, whilst avoiding the build-up of pressure and managing pressure fluctuations by maintaining an air connection between an inlet and an outlet.

[0010] Throughout this disclosure, the term "S-shaped" will be used to refer to an item having the substantially the shape of a capital letter S, including an upside down or inverted S.

[0011] The shape of the diverting pipe section may be configured to induce rotation of the multiphase flow medium about the centre line of the diverting pipe section.

[0012] In some embodiments, this may help to maintain a constant air connection between the inlet and the outlet resulting in a smoother flow.

[0013] The diverting pipe section may be asymmetrical about the plane.

[0014] In some embodiments, this may help to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium. The centre line may deflect out of the plane in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, this may help to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium about the centre line.

[0016] In the second view, the centre line of the diverting pipe section may have a first arcuate portion on one side of the plane and a second arcuate portion on a second side of the plane. The first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion may bend in opposite directions to form the S-shape of the centre line.

[0017] The arcuate shape of the diverting section in the first view may curve outwards relative to the connecting pipe section.

[0018] In some embodiments, this may help to combine the two flows in a smooth manner.

[0019] The arcuate shape of the diverting section in the first view may form a continuous curve. The arcuate shape of the centre line in the first view may form a continuous curve with a constant radius of curvature.

[0020] In some embodiments, this may help to maintain a smooth flow of the multi-phase flow medium through the diverting pipe section.

[0021] The pipe branch piece may further comprise a flow divider positioned on an inner surface of the inlet pipe section.

[0022] In some embodiments, this may help to collect the flow on one side of the pipe section thereby resulting in smoother flow of the multi-phase flow medium and making it easier to deflect and induce rotation of the flow. The flow divider may be configured to break up film flow of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0023] In some embodiments, this may help to collect the flow on one side of the pipe section thereby resulting in smoother flow of the multi-phase flow medium and making it easier to deflect and induce rotation of the flow.

[0024] The flow divider may comprise an apex which is positioned pointing towards an inlet of the inlet pipe section.

[0025] In some embodiments, this may result in effective breaking up of the film flow of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0026] The flow divider may comprise an apex which points against the flow direction.

[0027] The flow divider may comprise a V-shaped or triangular protrusion.

[0028] In some embodiments, this may result in effective breaking up of the film flow of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0029] The V-shaped or triangular protrusion may be a protrusion on an inner wall of the inner surface of the inlet pipe section.

[0030] The apex may correspond to a tip of the V-shaped protrusion or a corner of the triangular protrusion.

[0031] The apex of the flow divider may be positioned out of the plane.

[0032] In some embodiments, this help to better induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium. The angle between the apex of the flow divider and the plane at the first central axis may be in the range of 35 to 55 degrees, preferably in the range of 45 to 50 degrees.

[0033] In some embodiments, this may help to better induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0034] The flow divider may comprise a triangular protrusion and the sides of the triangular protrusion may be curved.

[0035] In some embodiments, this may result in smoother flow of the multi-phase flow medium over the flow divider.

[0036] The pipe branch piece may further comprise a first bend at a first end of the diverting pipe section.

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

[0038] The first bend may cause the centre line of the diverting pipe section to deflect out of the plane.

[0039] In some embodiments, this may help to better induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0040] The flow divider may be positioned prior to the first bend in a flow direction.

[0041] In some embodiments, this may help to better induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium. The flow divider may be positioned on a side of the inlet pipe section corresponding to an inner side of the first bend for directing the multi-phase flow medium to an outer side of the first bend.

[0042] In some embodiments, this may help to better induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium.

[0043] The outlet pipe section may comprise a joining portion and an outlet portion having an outlet opening, wherein the connecting pipe section and the diverting pipe section are connected to the joining portion of the outlet pipe section.

[0044] The joining portion may have a greater diameter than the outlet portion.

[0045] In some embodiments, this may help to maintain an air connection between the inlet and the outlet thereby reducing pressure build up and managing pressure fluctuations, resulting in a smoother flow.

[0046] The outlet pipe section may further comprise a tapered portion positioned between the joining portion and the outlet portion.

[0047] In some embodiments, this may help to reduce the pipe diameter to a standard pipe diameter for connecting to other pipes whilst maintaining a smooth flow of the multiphase flow medium.

[0048] The connecting pipe section may be positioned within the plane adjacent the diverting pipe section.

[0049] The pipe branch section may further comprise an air channel between the connecting pipe section and the diverting pipe section. In some embodiments, this may help with pressure equalisation between the connecting pipe section and the diverting pipe section and avoiding a build-up of pressure in either flow.

[0050] The air channel may be positioned within the plane.

[0051] The air channel may be connected within a middle 50% of the diverting pipe section.

[0052] In some embodiments, this may help to avoid the flow flowing over the air channel and thereby blocking it.

[0053] The diverting pipe section may be shaped to rotate the flow around the air channel.

[0054] The connecting pipe section may be configured to alter the direction of flow from the side inlet pipe section to a direction parallel with the second central axis.

[0055] In some embodiments, this may help to result in a smoother flow when joining the two flows.

[0056] The pipe branch piece may further comprise a plurality of side inlet pipe sections.

[0057] The side inlet pipe sections may be positioned perpendicular to the second central axis.

[0058] The diverting pipe section may be substantially spiral shaped.

[0059] A cross section of the diverting pipe section perpendicular to the centre line may be substantially circular along its length.

[0060] The diverting pipe section may have a greater diameter than the inlet pipe section and / or the outlet pipe section. In some embodiments, this may help to maintain a smooth flow when the two flows are joined.

[0061] The inlet pipe section may be straight.

[0062] The inlet pipe section may have a circular cross section.

[0063] The outlet pipe section may be straight.

[0064] The outlet pipe section may have a circular cross section.

[0065] The first central axis and the second central axis may be aligned or parallel.

[0066] The S-shape of the centre line may extend along the majority of the diverting pipe section. The S-shape of the centre line may extend along substantially the entire diverting pipe section.

[0067] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0068] 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:

[0069] FIG. 1A shows a side view of a pipe branch piece in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. IB shows a front view of the pipe branch piece of FIG. 1A;

[0071] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the pipe branch piece of FIG. 1A; FIG. 3 shows a flow divider of the pipe branch piece of FIG. 1A; and

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates the flow of a multi-phase flow medium through the pipe branch element of FIG. 1A.

[0073] Detailed Description

[0074] FIG. 1A shows a side view of a pipe branch piece 100 for transporting a multi-phase flow medium, such as wastewater for example. FIG. IB shows a front view of the pipe branch piece 100.

[0075] The pipe branch piece 100 has an inlet pipe section 110 with a first central axis Cl, and an outlet pipe section 130 with a second central axis C2. The inlet pipe section 110 connects to the outlet pipe section 130 with a diverting pipe section 120 having a centre line C3. The pipe branch piece 100 further comprises at least one side inlet pipe section 150 which connects to a connecting pipe section 140 with the connecting pipe section 140 configured to direct a flow of the multi-phase flow medium from the side inlet pipe section 150 to the outlet pipe section 130. The first central axis Cl and the second central axis C2 are positioned within a plane P. As shown in FIG. 1A, the centre line C3 of the diverting pipe section has an arcuate shape in a first view perpendicular to the plane P and perpendicular to the first axis Cl, i.e., the viewer is viewing the plane P in a direction perpendicular to the plane P and perpendicular to the first axis Cl. As shown in FIG. IB, the centre line C3 has an S-shape in a second view parallel to the plane and perpendicular to the first axis Cl, i.e., the viewer is viewing the plane P in a direction parallel to or in line with the plane P and perpendicular to the first axis Cl. In other words, the first view may be a side view and is orthogonal to the second view which may be a front view, with both views being perpendicular to the first axis Cl. The pipe branch piece 100 may be used to join a first flow, which may be a vertical flow, from the inlet pipe section 110 with a second flow, which may be a horizontal flow, from the one or more side inlet pipe sections 150. The design of the pipe branch element 100 helps to maintain a continuous air connection between the inlet pipe section 110, side inlet pipe section 150 and outlet pipe section 130 which avoids the build-up of pressure and manages pressure fluctuations, therefore allowing the two or more flows to be joined smoothly whilst reducing energy losses in the flow.

[0076] The inlet pipe section 110 may have an inlet opening 111 and may be straight with a circular cross section. The inlet pipe section 110 may be configured to connect to another pipe in a wastewater piping system. The inlet pipe section 110 may have a flow divider 170 positioned on an inner surface of the inlet pipe section 110 configured to break up film flow of the multi-phase flow medium flowing through the inlet pipe section 110 and direct the flow to the opposite side of the pipe section. The flow divider 170 may be in the form of a triangular protrusion and have an apex 171 formed by one of the corners of the triangular protrusion, with the apex 171 pointing towards the inlet opening 111.

[0077] The outlet pipe section 130 may have an outlet opening 131 and may be straight with a circular cross section. The outlet pipe section 130 may also be configured to connect to another pipe in a wastewater piping system. The outlet pipe section 130 may have an outlet portion 132 and a joining portion 134 which are joined with a tapered portion 133. The diameter of the joining portion 134 may be greater than the diameter of the outlet portion 132 and the diameter of the tapered portion 133 may reduce or taper from the larger diameter of the joining portion 134 to the smaller diameter of the outlet portion 132. The diverting pipe section 120 and the connecting pipe section 140 may be connected to the joining portion 134 of the outlet pipe section 130. The separate flows of the multi-phase flow medium from the inlet pipe section 110 and from the one or more side inlet pipe sections 150, respectively, may be joined together into a single flow in the joining portion 134 of the outlet pipe section 130. The larger diameter of the joining portion 134 provides more space for smoother joining of the two flows and helps to ensure an air connection between the inlet opening 111 and the outlet opening 131 to avoid the build-up of pressure within the pipe branch piece 100. The second central axis C2 may be aligned with the first central axis Cl, or it may be parallel to the first central axis Cl.

[0078] The diverting pipe section 120 connects to the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet pipe section 130, specifically, the joining portion 134. The diverting pipe section 120 diverts the flow from the inlet pipe section 110 away from the side inlet pipe sections 150 and around the connecting pipe section 140 to the outlet pipe section 130 where it joins with the other flow from the side inlet pipe sections 150 and connecting pipe section 140. In the first view or side view of FIG. 1A, the centre line C3 has an arcuate shape which forms a continuous curve and curves outwards relative to the connecting pipe section 140. The radius of curvature of the centre line C3 in the first view may be substantially constant. In other words, in the first view which is perpendicular to the plane, the centre line C3 may have a convex shape relative to the connecting pipe section 140. In the first view, the profile of the diverting pipe section 120 itself may also have an arcuate profile and follow the centre line C3.

[0079] In the second view or front view of FIG. IB, the centre line C3 of the diverting pipe section 120 has an S-shape. In the second view, the profile of the diverting pipe section 120 itself may also be S-shaped and follow the centre line C3 such that the diverting pipe section 120 is asymmetrical about the plane P. As seen in a flow direction, the centre line C3 may deflect out of the plane P in a first direction, then change directions and intersect the plane P and deflect out of the plane P in a second direction opposite the first direction, then change direction back to the first direction and end up at or near the plane P. In other words, the centre line C3 may have a first arcuate portion C3A on one side of the plane P and a second arcuate portion C3B on a second or opposite side of the plane P. The first arcuate portion C3A and the second arcuate portion C3B together may form the S-shape of the centre line C3. By having an arcuate shape in the first view and an S-shape in the second view perpendicular to the first view, the resulting three-dimensional shape of the diverting pipe section 120 may be substantially spiral shaped. The shape of the diverting pipe section 120 may help to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium entering the diverting pipe section 120 around the centre line C3. The S-shape of the centre line C3 may extend along the majority of the diverting pipe section 120 and, in particular, may extend along substantially the entire diverting pipe section 120.

[0080] The cross section of the diverting pipe section 120 perpendicular to the centre line C3 may be substantially circular along its length. The diameter of the diverting pipe section 120 may be greater than the diameter of the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet portion 132 of the outlet pipe section 130. Specifically, the diameter of the diverting pipe section 120 may be greater than the diameter of the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet portion 132 by a factor in the range of 1.1 to 1.3. For example, the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet portion 134 may have a diameter of 110 mm whilst the diverting pipe section has a diameter in the range of 120 mm to 130 mm. This may provide more space in the diverting pipe section for the flow to rotate and thereby help to maintain a continuous air connection between the inlet opening 111 and the outlet opening 131 to thereby avoid a build-up of pressure within the pipe branch piece 100. The inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet portion 132 may have the same diameter which may be, for example, a standard diameter of 110 mm to allow connection to other standard diameter pipes.

[0081] The connecting pipe section 140 connects to the one or more side inlet pipe section 150 and is configured to direct the flow from the one or more side inlet pipe section 150 to the outlet pipe section 130. The connecting pipe section 140 may connect to an end of the joining portion 134 of the outlet pipe section 130. The connecting pipe section 140 may be positioned within the plane P adjacent the diverting pipe section 120 and, specifically, may be positioned intersecting the first central axis Cl and the second central axis C2. The connecting pipe section 140 is configured to receive a flow of multi-phase flow medium from the one or more side inlet pipe sections 150 in a direction perpendicular to the second central axis C2, which may be a horizontal direction, and alter the direction of the flow to be parallel or in line with the second central axis C2, which may be a vertical direction.

[0082] The pipe branch piece 100 may have a plurality of side inlet pipe sections 150 which are connected to the connecting pipe section 140. For example, the pipe branch piece may have six side inlet pipe section 150 which may each be configured to connect to a separate pipe in a wastewater piping system. The side inlet pipe sections 150 may be positioned perpendicular to the inlet pipe section 110 and / or the outlet pipe section 130. As shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, and 2 the side inlet pipe sections 150 may be arranged in two rows of three side inlet pipe sections 150.

[0083] The pipe branch piece 100 may further comprise an air channel 180 which connects the connecting pipe section 140 and the diverting pipe section 120. The air channel may help to equalise the pressure in the diverting pipe section 120 and the connecting pipe section 140, thereby avoiding any pressure differences when the two flows are joined in the joining portion 134 of the outlet pipe section 130. The air channel 180 may be positioned within the plane P and may be connected near a centre of the diverting pipe section 120, for example, within a middle 50% of the diverting pipe section 120. Near the centre of the diverting pipe section 120, the majority of the flow may be located on a curve outer side of the diverting pipe section 120 due to the rotation of the flow, such that the majority of the flow will not flow directly over the air channel 180. The placement of the air channel 180 may therefore result in the flow rotating around the air channel 180 due to the shape of the diverting pipe section 120, thereby not blocking the air channel 180.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows a top view of pipe branch piece 100 and illustrates the inlet opening 111 of the inlet pipe section 110 having a circular cross section.

[0085] FIG. 2 also illustrates the position of the flow divider relative to the plane P. The apex 171 of the flow divider 170 may be positioned out of the plane P and, specifically, may be offset from the plane P by an angle 0 formed between the apex 171 and the plane P at the first central axis Cl. The angle 0 may be in the range of 35° to 55°, specifically 45°. This may result in the flow divider 170 being positioned on a side of the inlet pipe section 110 corresponding to an inner side of a first bend 121 (see also FIG. 1A and IB) formed at a first end of the diverting pipe section 120 where it is connected to the inlet pipe section 110. This first bend 121 may cause the centre line C3 to deflect out of the plane P and form the beginning of arcuate portion C3A. The flow divider 170 may be positioned prior to the first bend 121 in a flow direction. The flow divider 170 may break up film flow of the multi-phase flow medium flowing through the inlet pipe section 110 and may direct the flow from an inner side of the first bend 121 to an outer side of the first bend 121. By having the multi-phase flow medium located on an outer side of the first bend 121 going into the diverting pipe section 120, the shape of the diverting pipe section 120 may better induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium about the centre line C3 whilst maintaining a smooth flow.

[0086] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the flow divider 170. As noted above, the flow divider 170 may be in the form of a triangular protrusion having a first side 172, a second side 173 and a third side 174. The apex 171 may be formed as a corner of the triangular protrusion between the first side 172 and the second side 173 and may point towards the inlet opening 111 of the inlet pipe section 110. The triangular protrusion may be formed, for example, by punching a protrusion through the wall of the inlet pipe section 110.

[0087] The first side 172 and the second side 173 of the flow divider 170 may be curved or concave which may result in improved breaking up of the wall flow. Furthermore, the third side 174 or bottom side of the flow divider 170 may also be curved or concave which may help improve the flow characteristics at the points where the flow ceases to be in contact with the flow divider 170, i.e., at the corner of the first wall 172 and third wall 174, and at the corner of the second wall 173 and the third wall 174. The improved flow characteristics of the flow divider 170 may allow the flow divider 170 to be smaller in size. For example, the flow divider 170 may extend over less than half the circumference of the first inlet pipe section 110. FIG. 4 illustrates the flow of a multi-phase flow medium through the pipe branch piece

[0088] 100. FIG. 4 shows a view of the pipe branch piece where the pipe branch piece 100 is rotated by 45° around the first central axis Cl relative to the first view.

[0089] A first flow Fl enters the inlet pipe section 110 vertically through the inlet opening 111. The flow may be a flow of multi-phase flow medium such as wastewater. The first flow Fl forms a film on the walls of the inlet pipe section 110, with the centre of the inlet pipe section 110 being filled with air. After entering the inlet pipe section 110, the wall film of the first flow Fl is divided by the flow divider 170 which directs the flow to the outer side of the first bend 121. The flow Fl then enters the diverting pipe section 120. The shape of the diverting pipe section 120, i.e., the combination of the arcuate shape in the first view and the S-shape in the second view, results in the flow Fl being induced to rotate about the centre line C3 of the diverting pipe section 120. At the position where the air channel 180 connects to the diverting pipe section 120, the rotation of the flow Fl results in the flow Fl being on the opposite side of the pipe to the air channel 180. The rotation of the flow Fl through the diverting pipe section confines the flow Fl to the wall of the diverting pipe section 120 such that the centre of the diverting pipe section 120 remains filled with air. The first flow Fl then enters the joining portion 134 of the outlet pipe section 130 through a side wall.

[0090] A second flow F2 enters through the one or more side inlet pipe sections 150 horizontally. From the side inlet pipe section 150, the second flow F2 enters the connecting pipe section 140 where it turns from a horizontal flow to a vertical flow. The connecting pipe section 140 is connected to the diverting pipe section 120 through the air channel 180 which results in pressure equalization between the connecting pipe section 140 and the diverting pipe section. The second flow 140 then falls vertically from the connecting pipe section 140 to the joining portion 134 of the outlet pipe section 130. In the joining portion 134, the first flow Fl and the second flow F2 are joined together. At this point, both the first flow Fl and the second flow F2 are substantially vertical resulting in a smooth joining of the two flows, as they are travelling at similar speeds at this point. This therefore helps to maintain an air connection between the inlet opening 11 and the outlet opening 131 and thereby avoids a build-up of pressure in the pipe branch piece 100 to prevent unwanted noise and potential blocking of the pipe. The two joined flows then exit the outlet pipe section 130 again as wall film flow.

[0091] Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0092] The centre line C3 is not limited to having the first arcuate portion C3A and the second arcuate portion C3B on the first and second side of the plane P.

[0093] The pipe branch piece 100 may not have a flow divider 170.

[0094] The flow divider 170 is not limited to being positioned on the inlet pipe section 110 but may be positioned in the deflecting pipe section 120, for example.

[0095] The flow divider 170 is not limited to a triangular protrusion but may have a different shape, for example, a V-shaped protrusion or a diamond-shaped protrusion.

[0096] The apex 171 of the flow divider may not be positioned out of the plane P but could be positioned within the plane P, for example.

[0097] The sides of the triangular protrusion of the flow divider 170 may not be curved but could be straight, for example.

[0098] The joining portion 134 may not have a greater diameter than the outlet portion 132. The joining portion 134 may have the same or a smaller diameter than the outlet portion 134. The outlet pipe section 130 may not have a tapered portion 133.

[0099] The connecting pipe section 140 may not be positioned within the plane.

[0100] The pipe branch piece 100 may not comprise an air channel 180.

[0101] The air channel 180 is not limited to being positioned within a middle 50% of the diverting pipe section 120.

[0102] The pipe branch piece 100 may have one or a plurality of side inlet pipe sections 150.

[0103] The one or more side inlet pipe sections 150 may not be perpendicular to the second central axis.

[0104] The diverting pipe section 120 may not be substantially spiral shaped.

[0105] The cross section of the diverting pipe section 120 perpendicular to the centre line C3 is not limited to being substantially circular along its length and but have a different shaped cross section.

[0106] The diverting pipe section 120 may not have a greater diameter than the inlet pipe section 110 or the outlet pipe section 130.

[0107] The inlet pipe section 110 is not limited to being straight or to having a circular cross section.

[0108] The outlet pipe section 130 is not limited to being straight or to having a circular cross section. The first central axis and the second central axis may not be aligned or parallel but could be positioned at an angle to each other.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

Claims

Claims1. A pipe branch piece for transporting a multi-phase flow medium, the pipe branch piece comprising: an inlet pipe section having a first central axis; an outlet pipe section having a second central axis; a side inlet pipe section; a diverting pipe section which connects the inlet pipe section to the outlet pipe section, the diverting section having a centre line; and a connecting pipe section which connects to the side inlet pipe section and is configured to direct a flow of the multi-phase flow medium from the side inlet pipe section to the outlet pipe section, wherein the first central axis and the second central axis are positioned within a plane, and wherein the centre line of the diverting pipe section has an arcuate shape in a first view perpendicular to the plane and an S-shape in a second view parallel to the plane and perpendicular to the first central axis.

2. The pipe branch piece of claim 1, wherein the shape of the diverting pipe section is configured to induce rotation of the multi-phase flow medium about the centre line of the diverting pipe section.

3. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the diverting pipe section is asymmetrical about the plane.

4. The pipe branch piece of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the centre line deflects out of the plane in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction.

5. The pipe branch element of any preceding claim, wherein in the second view, the centre line of the diverting pipe section has a first arcuate portion on one side of the plane and a second arcuate portion on a second side of the plane.

6. The pipe branch element of claim 5, wherein the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion bend in opposite directions to form the S-shape of the centre line.

7. The pipe branch piece of any of preceding claim, wherein the arcuate shape of the centre line in the first view curves outwards relative to the connecting pipe section.

8. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the arcuate shape of the centre line in the first view forms a continuous curve.

9. The pipe branch piece of claim 8, wherein the arcuate shape of the centre line in the first view forms a continuous curve with a constant radius of curvature.

10. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe branch piece further comprises a flow divider positioned on an inner surface of the inlet pipe section.

11. The pipe branch piece of claim 10, wherein the flow divider is configured to break up film flow of the multi-phase flow medium.

12. The pipe branch piece of claim 10 or 11, wherein the flow divider comprises an apex which is positioned pointing towards an inlet of the inlet pipe section13. The pipe branch piece of claim 12, wherein the flow divider comprises a V-shaped or triangular protrusion.

14. The pipe branch piece of claim 13, wherein the apex corresponds to a tip of the V- shaped protrusion or a corner of the triangular protrusion.

15. The pipe branch piece of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the apex of the flow divider is positioned out of the plane.

16. The pipe branch piece of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the angle between the apex of the flow divider and the plane at the first central axis is in the range of 35 to 55 degrees.

17. The pipe branch piece of any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the flow divider comprises a triangular protrusion and wherein the sides of the triangular protrusion are curved.

18. The pipe branch piece of any of claims 10 to 17, further comprising a first bend at a first end of the diverting pipe section.

19. The pipe branch piece of claim 18, wherein the first bend causes the centre line of the diverting pipe section to deflect out of the plane.

20. The pipe branch piece of any of claims 18 or 19, wherein the flow divider is positioned prior to the first bend in a flow direction.

21. The pipe branch piece of any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the flow divider is positioned on a side of the inlet pipe section corresponding to an inner side of the first bend for directing the multi-phase flow medium to an outer side of the first bend.

22. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet pipe section comprises a joining portion and an outlet portion having an outlet opening, wherein the connecting pipe section and the diverting pipe section are connected to the joining portion of the outlet pipe section.

23. The pipe branch piece of claim 22, wherein the joining portion has a greater diameter than the outlet portion.

24. The pipe branch piece of claim 22 or 23, wherein the outlet pipe section further comprises a tapered portion positioned between the joining portion and the outlet portion.

25. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the connecting pipe section is positioned within the plane adjacent the diverting pipe section.

26. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, further comprising an air channel between the connecting pipe section and the diverting pipe section.

27. The pipe branch piece of claim 26, wherein the air channel is positioned within the plane.

28. The pipe branch piece of claim 26 or 27, wherein the air channel is connected within a middle 50% of the diverting pipe section.

29. The pipe branch piece of claim 26, 27 or 28, wherein the diverting pipe section is shaped to rotate the flow around the air channel.

30. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the connecting pipe section is configured to alter the direction of flow from the side inlet pipe section to a direction parallel with the second central axis.

31. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of side inlet pipe sections.

32. The pipe branch piece of claim 31, wherein the side inlet pipe sections are positioned perpendicular to the second central axis.

33. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the diverting pipe section is substantially spiral shaped.

34. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein a cross section of the diverting pipe section perpendicular to the centre line is substantially circular along its length.

35. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the diverting pipe section has a greater diameter than the inlet pipe section and / or the outlet pipe section.

36. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet pipe section is straight.

37. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet pipe section has a circular cross section.

38. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet pipe section is straight.

39. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet pipe section has a circular cross section.

40. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the first central axis and the second central axis are aligned or parallel.

41. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the S-shape of the centre line extends along the majority of the diverting pipe section.

42. The pipe branch piece of any preceding claim, wherein the S-shape of the centre line extends along substantially the entire diverting pipe section.

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