Flow distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow distributors for multi-phase fluids or slurries suffer from uneven distribution and increased wear due to gravitational separation of solids, leading to inefficiencies and reduced performance in process unit modules.
Innovation Solution
A flow distribution system with a hollow housing and a non-planar flow diverter creating a flow channel of varying cross-sectional area, encouraging turbulent mixing by varying the cross-sectional area from a smaller first chamber portion to a larger second chamber portion, and allowing for adjustable positioning of the diverter to optimize flow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a conventional flow distributor with a large chamber cross-sectional area is used, then the chamber can accommodate the multi-phase fluid stream, but the solids phase separates into layers under gravity leading to disproportional loading and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distributor employs a variable cross-sectional area design where the chamber area changes along the flow direction, creating dynamic flow conditions that prevent static gravitational separation of solids phases while maintaining adequate chamber volume for multi-phase fluid accommodation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the chamber cross-sectional area along the flow path, transitioning from a constant area design to a variable area design that optimizes flow distribution and prevents solids layering while accommodating the multi-phase fluid stream
2Volume of stationary object
If the chamber cross-sectional area is much larger than the inlet area, then the chamber can receive the inlet stream, but this promotes settling and clumping of solids held within the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-sectional area creates dynamic flow conditions throughout the chamber that prevent solids from settling and clumping, while the overall chamber volume remains sufficient to receive and process the inlet multi-phase fluid stream
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the chamber have different cross-sectional areas optimized for their specific functions: the inlet section has a smaller area to maintain flow velocity and prevent settling, while the outlet section has a larger area to accommodate distributed flow to multiple outlets
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flow distributors are used with pulsing inlet streams, then the system can handle variable flow rates, but uneven flow is delivered to each outlet leading to loss of efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-sectional area design changes flow parameters dynamically along the chamber length, creating a flow distribution pattern that maintains efficiency even when handling pulsing inlet streams with variable flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber is effectively segmented into different sections with different cross-sectional areas, with flow paths to multiple outlets that are optimized to receive proportional shares of the multi-phase fluid stream even under pulsing flow conditions
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 ensures more uniform distribution of multi-phase fluid phases to each outlet, enhancing the performance of process unit modules and reducing wear by promoting turbulent mixing and homogenization of the fluid stream.
Implementation Method 1
the flow rate of the multi-phase fluid stream varies it passes through the flow channel whereby turbulent mixing of the multi-phase fluid stream in the inner chamber is encouraged
Data Source
AI summary
A flow distribution system for a multi-phase fluid stream includes an inlet for receiving a multi-phase fluid stream from an inlet pipe, a plurality of outlets each for delivering a portion of the multi-phase fluid stream to a respective outlet pipe, and a hollow housing forming an inner chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and the plurality of outlets, where the housing has a central longitudinal axis. The inner chamber includes a first chamber portion adjacent to the inlet and a second chamber portion adjacent to the plurality of outlets, and the first chamber portion has a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the second chamber portion. A non-planar flow diverter is positioned within the chamber.