A flow distributor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow distributors for multi-phase fluids or slurries suffer from inefficiencies due to gravitational separation of solids, leading to disproportional loading and increased wear, as well as pulsing inlet streams causing uneven flow distribution to process unit modules.
Innovation Solution
A flow distribution system with a varying cross-sectional area flow channel and a non-planar flow diverter that encourages turbulent mixing by diverting the multi-phase fluid stream through a series of chamber portions with different cross-sectional areas, generating areas of differential pressure and promoting homogenization before delivery to outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a conventional flow distributor with a cylindrical chamber having a much larger cross-sectional area than the inlet is used, then the chamber can accommodate the multi-phase fluid stream, but the solids phase separates into layers under gravity leading to disproportional loading and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is divided into multiple flow channels, each leading to a separate outlet. This segmentation prevents complete solidification and layering in the entire chamber while allowing controlled flow distribution to each outlet, maintaining more uniform multi-phase fluid characteristics at each outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional single large cylindrical chamber to a multi-channel three-dimensional structure. By creating multiple flow paths through the chamber with varying cross-sectional areas, the system prevents gravitational separation while maintaining adequate volume for multi-phase fluid accommodation.
2Volume of stationary object
If the chamber cross-sectional area is much larger than the inlet area, then the chamber can receive the multi-phase fluid stream, but turbulent mixing is reduced and solids settling is promoted
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the chamber have different cross-sectional areas optimized for their specific functions. The inlet region has a smaller cross-sectional area to maintain flow velocity and promote mixing, while outlet regions are designed with appropriate areas for balanced distribution. This local optimization prevents solids settling while maintaining mixing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area of flow channels varies along the flow path, creating regions of different flow velocities. This parameter change promotes turbulent mixing in upstream regions while controlling flow distribution in downstream regions, preventing solids separation while maintaining mixing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow distributor handles pulsing inlet streams, then it can process variable flow rates, but uneven flow is delivered to each outlet leading to loss of efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is divided into multiple independent flow channels, each with its own outlet. This segmentation allows the system to handle pulsing inlet streams by distributing the variable flow across multiple channels, reducing the impact of pulsations on any single outlet and maintaining more uniform flow delivery to each process unit module.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures more uniform characteristics of the multi-phase fluid stream at each outlet, enhancing the performance and reducing wear of process unit modules by maintaining consistent flow distribution and preventing settling of solids.
Implementation Method 1
the flow rate of the multi-phase fluid stream varies it passes through the flow channel whereby turbulent mixing of the multi-phase fluid stream in the inner chamber is encouraged
Implementation Method 2
diverting the multi-phase fluid stream through a series of chamber portions with different cross-sectional areas, generating areas of differential pressure
Implementation Method 3
the solids phase separates into layers under the influence of gravity leading to a disproportional loading of the solids phase flow to each of the plurality of outlets
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A flow distribution system for a multi-phase fluid stream is described. The system comprises: an inlet for receiving a multi-phase fluid stream from an inlet pipe; a plurality of outlets each for delivering a portion of the multi-phase fluid stream to a respective outlet pipe; and, a hollow housing forming an inner chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and the plurality of outlets, the housing having a central longitudinal axis. The inner chamber has a first chamber portion adjacent to the inlet and a second chamber portion adjacent to the plurality of outlets, and the first chamber portion has a cross- sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the second chamber portion. A non-planar flow diverter is positioned within the chamber so as to define a flow channel of varying cross-sectional area as measured in a plane orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the housing, for varying the flow rate of the multi-phase fluid stream as it passes through the flow channel whereby turbulent mixing of the multi-phase fluid stream in the inner chamber is encouraged.