Flow Conditioning Insert With Mixing Diverters for Asymmetric Pipe Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow conditioners struggle to effectively condition flows with asymmetric profiles, particularly around pipe elbows, leading to inconsistent flow profiles and reduced accuracy in flow measurement devices.
Innovation Solution
A flow conditioning insert with internal structures featuring flow conditioning apertures and mixing diverters that impart directional flow conditions, such as helical swirls, to uniformly distribute asymmetry across the flow profile, reducing variations and enhancing flow consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow conditioners are used to condition asymmetric flow profiles, then flow measurement accuracy is improved, but the device requires lengthy straight pipes upstream and causes significant pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conditioner is divided into multiple independent flow mixing diverters positioned at different locations within the pipe cross-section. Each diverter handles a specific portion of the asymmetric flow, allowing the device to effectively condition complex flow profiles without requiring long straight pipe sections upstream. This segmentation enables compact design while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow mixing diverters are designed with specific geometries and orientations that change flow parameters (velocity distribution, swirl intensity) to transform asymmetric flow profiles into more uniform patterns. By optimizing the diverter angles and positions, the device achieves effective flow conditioning with minimal pressure drop and reduced upstream straight pipe requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional flow conditioners are used to condition flows around pipe elbows, then flow consistency is improved, but velocity reduction is significant leading to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The flow mixing diverters are designed to utilize the existing momentum and kinetic energy in the asymmetric flow rather than resisting it. By strategically positioning the diverters to work with the flow direction, the device converts the harmful asymmetric velocity profile into beneficial mixing action, achieving flow consistency while minimizing velocity reduction and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter geometry and positioning are optimized to dynamically adapt to different flow conditions, including flows affected by pipe elbows. The design allows the diverters to effectively condition a range of asymmetric flow profiles without causing excessive velocity reduction, maintaining energy efficiency across varying operating conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If flow mixing diverters are positioned within flow conditioning apertures to impart directional flow conditions, then flow profile consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal structure is segmented into multiple flow conditioning apertures with flow mixing diverters positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows each aperture-d diverter combination to handle specific portions of the flow, achieving comprehensive flow profile conditioning while using simple, repeatable modular units that reduce overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow mixing diverters are designed as universal components that can be positioned in different apertures to address various flow conditions. This multi-functional design approach allows the same basic diverter geometry to effectively condition different asymmetric flow profiles, reducing the need for custom-designed components and simplifying manufacturing.
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 insert improves flow measurement accuracy by uniformly distributing asymmetry, reducing the need for lengthy straight pipes and minimizing pressure drops, thereby optimizing flow conditioning without significant velocity reduction.
Implementation Method 1
The directional flow condition may be a helical swirl
Data Source
AI summary
A flow conditioning insert for insertion in a flow conduit transporting a flow stream is described. The flow conditioning insert includes an inlet side receiving the flow stream, an outlet side receiving the flow stream after the flow stream passes through the inlet side, and an internal structure positioned between the inlet side and the outlet side and positioning the flow conditioning device within the flow conduit. The internal structure includes a plurality of a flow conditioning apertures extending between the inlet side and the outlet side and a plurality of flow mixing diverters positioned within one or more flow conditioning apertures, each flow mixing diverter imparting a directional flow condition on fluid passing through a flow conditioning aperture that includes the flow mixing diverter.