Flow Centralizer Bore Design for Downstream Pipe Erosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flow deflection caused by flow control valves can lead to erosion damage in pipes downstream, compromising their integrity.

Innovation Solution

A flow centralizer with a flowthrough bore that narrows downstream of the flow control valve, comprising an insert, an orifice body, and a flange ring, where the insert flange is held in position between the flange ring and the orifice body, ensuring proper alignment and reducing fluid impact on pipe walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flow control valve is used to control fluid flow, then flow control capability is improved, but erosion damage to downstream pipes occurs due to flow deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control capabilityVSAvoiderosion damage to pipes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow centralizer acts as an intermediary component installed between the flow control valve and downstream piping. It receives the deflected flow from the valve and redirects it to travel centrally through the pipe, preventing direct contact with pipe walls and eliminating erosion damage while preserving the valve's flow control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow centralizer converts the harmful deflected flow pattern into a beneficial centralized flow pattern. By redirecting the flow that would otherwise cause erosion to travel through the center of the pipe, it transforms a damaging effect into a protective solution that maintains pipe integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the flowthrough bore narrows downstream to centralize flow, then erosion protection is improved, but pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerosion protectionVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The flowthrough bore diameter varies along the length of the flow centralizer, being larger at the upstream end and smaller at the downstream end. This gradual parameter change allows the flow to be redirected to the center and maintained centrally without causing excessive pressure drop, balancing erosion protection with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flow centralizer effectively centralizes fluid flow, reducing erosion and protecting downstream equipment by accelerating fluid flow away from pipe walls and maintaining pipe integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The flowthrough bore narrows in a direction downstream of the flow control valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid acceleration through constriction: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11402026B2Flow centralizer for valve assembly

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 SPECIAL ALLOY FABRICATORS LTD

AI summary

There is a valve assembly including a flow control valve and a flow centralizer. The flow centralizer has a flowthrough bore. The flow centralizer is downstream of the flow control valve and the flowthrough bore narrows in a direction downstream of the flow control valve. The flow centralizer may have a three-piece design including an insert defining the flowthrough bore and an orifice body and a flange ring which hold the insert in place within the orifice body.