Cross-Over Fluid Coupling for Low-Loss Stream Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling systems with nested pipes face challenges in efficiently switching fluid streams between the inner and outer flow areas without introducing hydraulic losses, heat transfer, or occupying excessive physical space, particularly in applications like nuclear reactors where coolant flow paths require precise management.
Innovation Solution
A cross-over fluid coupling design that re-directs fluid streams by configuring concentric pipes with identical conduits arranged in alternating configurations, maintaining separation and minimizing heat transfer through strategic placement and insulation, while reducing hydraulic losses by maintaining axial flow directions and using a cylindrical outer sheath to match the pipe system's diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional nested pipe arrangements are used for fluid switching, then the physical space required increases, but the system becomes more compact with the cross-over coupling design
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling employs nested conduits where inner conduits are positioned within outer conduits, allowing multiple fluid streams to be contained within a compact cylindrical volume. This nesting arrangement enables the system to switch between different flow configurations (concentric and alternating) without requiring additional external space, as the switching mechanism is integrated within the nested structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling enables dynamic reconfiguration of fluid flow paths by switching between concentric and alternating conduit arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt flow patterns in response to operational requirements while maintaining a fixed compact physical footprint, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and operational flexibility.
2Temperature
If concentric pipe configurations are used, then heat transfer between fluid streams increases, but the cross-over coupling minimizes heat transfer through strategic placement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling employs asymmetric alternating conduit arrangements where inner and outer conduits are positioned at different angular locations rather than being perfectly concentric. This asymmetric placement increases the radial distance between opposing fluid streams, reducing thermal coupling and heat transfer between hot and cold flows while maintaining effective fluid stream separation and flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure acts as an intermediary barrier between opposing fluid streams, using the conduit walls and surrounding material as thermal insulation. This intermediary layer reduces direct thermal interaction between fluid streams while allowing the system to maintain high productivity through efficient flow distribution across multiple conduits.
3Loss of energy
If fluid streams are redirected through complex pathways, then hydraulic losses increase, but the cross-over coupling reduces hydraulic losses by maintaining axial flow directions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex bent pathways to switch fluid streams between inner and outer positions, the coupling inverts the approach by maintaining straight axial flow directions throughout. The switching function is achieved through the spatial arrangement of multiple parallel conduits rather than through flow path bending, thereby eliminating hydraulic losses associated with directional changes while managing the complexity of conduit positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling segments the fluid flow into multiple independent axial streams within separate conduits, allowing each stream to maintain its axial direction without interference. This segmentation enables the system to achieve flow switching functionality through the configuration of multiple simple axial pathways rather than through complex single-path routing, reducing hydraulic losses while distributing the geometric complexity across multiple segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cross-over fluid coupling includes a first coupling end and a second coupling end. A plurality of first conduits have inner ends disposed toward the first coupling end and outer ends spaced apart from the inner end toward the second coupling end and being outboard of the inner end. A plurality of second conduits have outer ends that are disposed toward the first coupling end and positioned laterally outboard of the inner end of at least one of the first conduits, and inner ends that are spaced apart from the outer end toward the second coupling end in the axial direction and is laterally inboard of the outer end of the at least one of the first conduits.