Nested Cross-Over Fluid Coupling for Low-Loss Stream Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling systems for nested pipes face challenges such as hydraulic losses, increased heat transfer, and physical space constraints when switching fluid streams in industrial processes like nuclear reactors, where coolant flows need to change directions and cross-over without mixing, while minimizing thermal stresses and maintaining efficient flow.
Innovation Solution
A cross-over fluid coupling design with a central axis and symmetrical planes intersecting conduits, featuring identical first and second conduits arranged in alternating configurations, which fluidly connect inner and outer pipes to switch fluid streams without mixing, reducing hydraulic losses and thermal stresses, and maintaining a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional fluid coupling systems are used to switch fluid streams in nested pipes, then the fluid streams can be redirected, but hydraulic losses increase and heat transfer between streams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling employs nested conduits where inner conduits are positioned within outer conduits, allowing fluid streams to cross over between inner and outer flow paths while maintaining physical separation. This nesting arrangement enables stream switching without requiring complex external piping, thereby reducing hydraulic losses while preserving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling acts as an intermediary device that receives fluid streams from either inner or outer pipes and redirects them to opposite destinations. The structured conduit arrangement with separate flow paths serves as a mediator that enables stream switching while minimizing direct interaction between streams, thus reducing both hydraulic losses and unwanted heat transfer.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional fluid coupling systems are used to switch fluid streams, then the streams can be redirected, but the physical space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested conduit configuration allows the coupling to achieve stream switching functionality within a compact footprint. By placing inner conduits within outer conduits, the design utilizes vertical and radial space efficiently, reducing the overall physical envelope required compared to conventional external piping arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling transitions the fluid stream switching from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional nested configuration. Fluid streams cross over by moving through the radial and axial dimensions of the nested conduits rather than requiring extended lateral space, thereby reducing the physical footprint while maintaining switching capability.
3Stress or pressure
If conventional fluid coupling systems are used, then fluid streams can be switched, but thermal stresses on the coupling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling's separated conduit structure acts as a thermal intermediary, allowing fluid streams to change paths while maintaining physical separation. This mediation prevents direct thermal interaction between hot and cold streams during switching operations, reducing thermal stresses on the coupling structure while preserving the ability to redirect streams as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement provides thermal isolation between inner and outer conduits, as the concentric configuration with separate walls creates thermal barriers. This nesting structure enables stream switching while minimizing thermal coupling between adjacent streams, thereby reducing thermal stresses on the overall assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A cross-over fluid coupling includes a first coupling end and a second coupling end. A plurality of first conduits have inner ends disposed toward the first coupling end and outer ends spaced apart from the inner end toward the second coupling end and being outboard of the inner end. A plurality of second conduits have outer ends that are disposed toward the first coupling end and positioned laterally outboard of the inner end of at least one of the first conduits, and inner ends that are spaced apart from the outer end toward the second coupling end in the axial direction and is laterally inboard of the outer end of the at least one of the first conduits.