Elliptical Pipe Elbow Geometry for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connections with elliptical central cross-sections suffer from increased external dimensions and pressure losses due to enlarged contact area between fluid and pipe shell, leading to inefficient fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection design with an elliptical central cross-section aligned parallel to the pipe bend axis, where the jacket body thickness varies along the major and minor axes, and transition pieces ensure smooth, continuous expansion of flow cross-sections, maintaining minimal external dimensions and reducing pressure losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an elliptical central cross-section is used in pipe connections, then turbulence is prevented and pressure losses are reduced, but external dimensions increase and contact area between fluid and pipe shell is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the jacket body thickness specifically in the region of the elliptical central cross-section. The thickness is reduced along the major axis direction compared to the minor axis direction, creating a non-uniform thickness distribution that locally optimizes the flow channel geometry while maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing the contact area between fluid and pipe shell in critical regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow channel by introducing an elliptical central cross-section with a specific aspect ratio (1.1-1.5) and positioning it at a specific location (halfway along the flow channel) with specific orientation (parallel to curvature axis). These parameter changes optimize flow characteristics while controlling external dimensions
2Loss of energy
If an elliptical central cross-section with aspect ratio 1.1-1.5 is used, then pressure losses are minimized, but external dimensions are still increased compared to circular designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the aspect ratio parameter of the elliptical cross-section to a specific range (1.1-1.5), which represents a compromise between achieving turbulence-free flow and minimizing external dimension increase. This parameter optimization ensures that the flow channel provides smooth flow transitions while the jacket body maintains compact external dimensions suitable for standardized insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality through non-uniform jacket body thickness distribution, with reduced thickness along the major axis direction of the ellipse. This local thinning reduces the overall external dimensions and material usage while maintaining structural strength, allowing the elliptical cross-section to provide flow optimization without excessive external dimension increase
3Stability of the object's composition
If the elliptical central cross-section is positioned halfway along the flow channel, then homogeneous flow velocities are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the elliptical central cross-section at the optimal location (halfway along the flow channel) during the design and manufacturing process. This predetermined positioning ensures that the flow channel geometry is optimized from the outset to generate homogeneous flow velocities, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms or post-manufacturing adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry through the elliptical cross-section geometry and its specific orientation (with the major axis parallel to the curvature axis) and positioning (centered at the midpoint of the flow channel). This asymmetric design creates mirror-image symmetry in the overall pipe connection, optimizing flow characteristics while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized forming processes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
A pipe connection, namely a pipe elbow, is proposed, comprising a flow channel (5) spanned by a shell body (2) that changes between two circular end curvature cross-sections (8) and has an elliptical central cross-section between the two end curvature cross-sections (8) having a principal axis (a) and a secondary axis (b). To obtain a pipe connection that exhibits a minimal resistance coefficient regardless of the installation direction, without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the pipe connection compared to standard pipe connections, it is proposed that the central cross-section have a central cross-sectional area (1) that is essentially the average of the two end curvature cross-sectional areas, with the ratio of principal axis (a) to secondary axis (b) being in the range between 1.1 and 1.5, particularly 1.3.