Laminar Flow Module With Stacked Spiral Disks For SCR Urea Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow meters for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems face challenges such as clogging, difficulty in installation and removal, limited space requirements, and the need for high pressure drops, which are not adequately addressed by existing designs, particularly when measuring urea flow.
Innovation Solution
A laminar flow module comprising stacked disks with spiral channels, allowing for adjustable pressure drops and easy assembly/disassembly, eliminating the need for gaskets and enabling a high turndown ratio, suitable for compact SCR systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flow restriction elements (sinter metal restrictions, straight parallel channels) are used, then flow measurement is achieved, but clogging occurs and installation/removal is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction element is divided into multiple separate disk components (first disks and second disks) that can be stacked together. This segmentation allows the element to be easily installed by stacking disks in sequence and removed by taking apart the stack, while the multiple disks collectively provide adequate flow measurement capability without clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The second disks feature spiral channels instead of straight parallel channels. The curved spiral geometry prevents particle accumulation and clogging that occurs in straight channels, while still providing effective flow restriction for measurement purposes
2Reliability
If large flow restriction elements are used to achieve high pressure drop, then high turndown ratio is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral channels in the second disks utilize the radial dimension of the disk to create extended flow paths. This allows achieving high pressure drop and high turndown ratio within a compact disk-shaped footprint, avoiding the need for large linear dimensions while maintaining effective flow measurement range
3Reliability
If gaskets are used in laminar flow elements, then sealing is achieved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates gaskets from the laminar flow element design. The stacked disk structure achieves sealing through the housing and disk geometry itself, removing the gasket component that introduces leakage risk while maintaining adequate sealing function
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed design restriction elements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different flows is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The laminar flow element is designed with multiple removable and replaceable disk components. This allows the system to be dynamically adapted to different flow ranges by changing the stack configuration or replacing disks with different channel geometries, while each individual disk remains simple to manufacture
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 laminar flow module provides a cost-effective solution with a high turndown ratio, reducing clogging and leakage risks, and is suitable for a wide range of flows, enabling accurate measurement of urea flow in SCR systems without requiring expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A laminar flow module comprising a plurality of disks, defined by first disks and second disks... in the stack of disks multiple spiral channels are formed between an inlet channel and an outlet channel
Implementation Method 2
Because of the flow restriction during operation a pressure differential is generated on the basis of which flow can be determined
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laminar flow module and a flow meter assembly comprising said laminar flow module, and a selective catalytic reduction system comprising said flow meter. The invention further relates to a method for determining the flow of a fluid using said flow meter. The flow meter and flow module are particularly suitable for use in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.