Adjustable Orifice Plates for Variable Swirl Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating swirl in fluid flow are limited by fixed geometry, restricted to specific swirl angles, and velocity sensitivity, making them inadequate for controlled swirl generation and fluid dynamics studies.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising adjustable orifice plates with off-set holes and directional baffles within a pipe, allowing for variable orientation and degree of swirl generation, enabling flexible control of swirl in fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed geometry methods (turbine blades/guide vanes) are used to generate swirl, then a specific swirl angle is achieved, but the system is locked into a fixed geometry and cannot adjust the degree of swirl

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of swirl degreeVSAvoidfixed geometry constraint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable orifice plates that can be positioned at different angles and locations within the pipe, transforming a static swirl generation system into a dynamic one. The orifice plates can be rotated to different angular positions and moved axially, allowing continuous adjustment of the swirl degree while maintaining a relatively simple device structure without complex mechanical actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow path by using orifice plates with adjustable angular positions and axial locations. By varying the orientation and position of the orifice plates, different flow deflection angles are created, which directly control the swirl intensity. This parameter-based control allows a single device to generate multiple swirl degrees without requiring multiple fixed geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If turbine blades or guide vanes are used for swirl generation, then swirl is produced, but the system becomes velocity sensitive with vortex shedding and stalling at certain velocities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevelocity insensitivityVSAvoidvortex shedding and stalling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful rotating blade components (turbine blades and guide vanes) that cause vortex shedding and stalling, replacing them with stationary orifice plates. The swirl generation is achieved through the geometric arrangement and angular orientation of the orifice plates rather than through rotating blades, eliminating the velocity-sensitive phenomena associated with blade-type swirl generators while maintaining reliable swirl production across a wide range of flow velocities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing swirl generation methods are used, then swirl is produced, but the methods are limited to generating only certain degrees of swirl

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of swirl degreesVSAvoidmultiple fixed geometry sets

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal swirl generation device where a single set of orifice plates can generate multiple degrees of swirl by adjusting their angular positions and axial locations. The orifice plates serve multiple functions: they can be positioned at different angles to create different swirl intensities, moved axially to adjust the swirl generation zone, and configured in various combinations to achieve different flow conditions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple fixed geometry sets while providing continuous adjustability across a wide range of swirl degrees

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for reliable, repeatable, and adjustable generation of swirl, suitable for various flow conditions, enhancing the study and performance of flow meters and conditioners, and is cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

Each orifice plate has an off-set orifice or hole and is configured to have a position that is adjustable within the swirl generation area. Each orifice plate is oriented at an angle variable to each other to generate a variable degree of swirl as fluid flow exits the swirl generation area.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid redirection through off-set orifices:

Implementation Method 2

The invention provides a further embodiment to any of the previous embodiments a system further characterized by a directional baffle connected to one orifice plate and extending into the swirl generation area.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow redirection through baffle:

Data Source

PatentUS9752729B2Systems and methods for generating swirl in pipelines

Publication Date: 2017.09.05 CANADA PIPELINE ACCESSORIES

AI summary

A system for generating swirl includes a pipe and at least two orifice plates located within a section of the pipe and defining a swirl generation area. Each orifice plate has an off-set orifice or hole and is configured to have a position that is adjustable within the swirl generation area. Each orifice plate may be oriented at an angle variable to each other to generate a variable degree of swirl as fluid flow exits the swirl generation area.