Deflector Y-Fitting for Low-Loss Parallel Pump Pipe Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fittings for connecting two pressure pipelines into one downstream pipeline, especially in parallel pump configurations, result in significant hydraulic losses due to turbulence and energy dissipation, increasing operational costs and reducing system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A symmetric connection fitting with a deflector that aligns incoming water streams at a mutual angle of 84 to 96° and an elliptic to circular outlet shape, reducing intermixing and kinetic energy conversion, featuring a deflector with a preferred length of 0.6 to 0.9 times the inlet pipe diameter and a larger outlet profile, along with a hydraulic roughness-reducing layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard T-piece fittings with 90° connection angles are used to connect two delivery ducts, then the connection is simple and commonly available, but the local hydraulic losses reach values of about ζ1 = 2.9 due to stream collision and direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a Y-shaped fitting with a 45° connection angle instead of the conventional symmetric 90° T-piece. This asymmetric geometry allows one delivery duct to connect directly while the other connects at a gentler 45° angle, reducing the direction change requirement and stream collision intensity, thereby lowering local hydraulic losses from ζ1 = 2.9 to approximately ζ1 = 2.0
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional connection approach by positioning the Y-connection at 45° rather than 90°, and by orienting the fitting so that one stream flows directly through while the other merges at a shallower angle. This inverted geometry reduces turbulence and energy dissipation compared to the standard perpendicular connection method
2Ease of operation
If delivery ducts are connected with frontal collision of streams using T-piece, then connection is achieved, but the greatest energy dissipation occurs with local loss coefficient reaching about ζ1 = 2.9
Solution Approach 1:
The Y-shaped fitting with 45° connection angle creates an asymmetric flow pattern where streams merge gradually rather than colliding frontally. This asymmetric geometry reduces the intensity of stream interaction and minimizes kinetic energy conversion to turbulence, lowering energy dissipation while maintaining effective connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved transition surfaces within the Y-shaped fitting to guide streams smoothly from their respective directions into the common outlet. These curved surfaces reduce flow separation and turbulence by providing gradual direction changes, thereby reducing energy dissipation while achieving effective stream confluence
3Ease of operation
If T-piece with 90° connection is used for lateral stream collision, then connection is achieved, but local hydraulic losses reach about ζ1 = 2.6 due to one stream changing direction by 90°
Solution Approach 1:
The Y-shaped fitting with 45° connection angle creates an asymmetric flow pattern where streams merge gradually rather than colliding frontally. This asymmetric geometry reduces the intensity of stream interaction and minimizes kinetic energy conversion to turbulence, lowering energy dissipation while maintaining effective connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional connection approach by positioning the Y-connection at 45° rather than 90°, and by orienting the fitting so that one stream flows directly through while the other merges at a shallower angle. This inverted geometry reduces turbulence and energy dissipation compared to the standard perpendicular connection method
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 fitting minimizes local hydraulic losses by reducing turbulence and energy dissipation, lowering the local loss coefficient to approximately 1.2, extending system service life and reducing operational costs through improved flow pressure and reduced gas release.
Implementation Method 1
The fitting minimizes local hydraulic losses by reducing turbulence and energy dissipation
Implementation Method 2
reducing intermixing and kinetic energy conversion
Implementation Method 3
The size of hydraulic losses, caused by friction and local losses
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Fitting connecting two pressure pipes into one outlet pipe, especially when connecting parallel pumps in water management operations characterized in that the fitting comprises two inlet pipes (1) of a circular profile with a diameter (D1), whose axes are at the angle of α = 84 to 96° to each other, and further are connected at the angle of β = 132 to 138° to one outlet pipe (2), which has an elliptic shape in the connection point of the inlet pipes (1) and a circular shape with the outlet diameter (D2) on the other end, wherein a deflector (3) is located in the outlet pipe (2) at the connection of inlet pipes, and the ratio of the outlet diameter (D2) of the outlet pipe (2) to the diameter (D1) of inlet pipes (1) is 1.3 to 1.7.