Manifold Splitter Protrusions for Reduced Vortex Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coriolis flow meters experience vortex shedding and acoustical noise due to the convergence of flow paths at the manifold splitter, particularly when measuring gases, which leads to unwanted vibrations and noise.
Innovation Solution
A manifold design with a splitter section featuring protrusions on its faces to disrupt fluid flow, reducing the formation of coherent vortices and noise, including the use of round, elongated, or depressed protrusions positioned on the splitter faces to disturb fluid streams effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flow paths converge at the manifold splitter, then the flow is rejoined before the outlet, but vortex shedding and acoustical noise are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the splitter surface geometry with protrusions and recesses at the specific location where flow convergence occurs. This localized modification disrupts vortex formation at the critical splitter region without altering the overall manifold structure or flow path convergence function, thereby reducing noise while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surfaces and rounded protrusions on the splitter instead of sharp edges. The rounded geometry of the protrusions and the curved splitter surfaces modify the flow pattern to reduce vortex shedding, as curved surfaces are more effective at guiding fluid flow smoothly compared to angular geometries.
2Volume of moving object
If a larger transition volume is used at the second manifold, then the flow paths can rejoin to match pipeline diameter, but vortex shedding increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than modifying the entire transition volume geometry, the patent applies localized surface modifications (protrusions and recesses) specifically on the splitter surface within the transition volume. This targeted approach reduces vortex shedding at the critical flow separation region without requiring a complete redesign of the transition volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface geometry parameters of the splitter by adding protrusions with specific dimensions, shapes, and distributions. These parameter modifications to the splitter surface create flow disruption that reduces vortex formation, thereby decreasing noise generation while maintaining the transition volume's function.
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 manifold design significantly reduces vortex shedding and acoustical noise, enhancing the operational stability and accuracy of Coriolis flow meters by minimizing fluid flow disruptions at the splitter section.
Implementation Method 1
the flow over the splitter can produce vortex shedding in the fluid flow. Vortex shedding is an oscillating flow that takes place when a fluid such as air or water flows past a blunt body at certain velocities
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold (400, 600, 700) with reduced vortex shedding, a vibrator) meter (5) including the same, and a method of manufacturing both are described. The manifold (400, 600, 700) comprises a first conduit section (202), a second conduit section (204), a splitter section (406, 606, 706) positioned between the first conduit section (202) and the second conduit section (204), the splitter section (406, 606, 706) including a first splitter face (408a, 608a, 708) facing the first conduit section (202), and a first protrusion (412a, 612a. 712), at least a portion of which is positioned on the first splitter face (408a, 608a, 708).