Perforated Pressure Reducer for Constant Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure reducers in pressurized fluid flow lines are limited in their ability to maintain a constant pressure drop across a range of flow rates due to their fixed design, requiring additional complexity and cost with the use of moving parts to adjust for varying flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pressure reducer design featuring an outer shell with a solid annular sleeve and perforated end and sidewalls, where fluid dynamics change the number of flow passages based on flow rate, allowing for a variable effective restriction area without moving parts, thereby maintaining a constant pressure drop across a broad range of flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed restriction design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain constant pressure drop across varying flow rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reducer employs a dynamic design where the effective flow area automatically adjusts with flow rate changes. The annular sleeve and perforated structure create variable flow passages that adapt to different flow conditions, allowing the device to maintain constant pressure drop across a broad range of flow rates without requiring external control mechanisms or moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow coefficient (Cv) parameter dynamically in response to varying flow rates. By designing the annular sleeve with specific aperture arrangements and dimensions, the effective restriction area changes as flow rate changes, thereby maintaining a substantially constant pressure drop across varying operating conditions without mechanical adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If moving parts are added to adjust flow coefficient, then the adaptability to varying flow rates is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reducer is designed to automatically adjust its effective flow area in response to changing flow rates without requiring external control systems, actuators, or moving parts. The annular sleeve geometry and aperture arrangement enable the device to self-regulate the pressure drop across varying flow conditions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical adjustment systems (such as movable plugs, springs, or actuated components) with a static annular sleeve design that achieves dynamic adaptation through fluid-structure interaction. The variable effective area is accomplished through the geometric arrangement of apertures in the annular sleeve rather than through mechanical movement of parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If a static aperture design is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the effectiveness across limited flow rate range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reducer divides the flow area into multiple discrete apertures arranged in an annular pattern on the annular sleeve. This segmentation allows the effective flow area to be distributed across multiple openings rather than a single large opening, enabling the device to maintain effective operation across a broader range of flow rates while keeping each individual aperture simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane aperture design to a three-dimensional annular arrangement of apertures on the annular sleeve. By distributing apertures in an annular pattern around the flow path, the device increases its effective operating range across varying flow rates while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard drilling and machining operations on the annular structure.
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
This design effectively adjusts the flow coefficient (Cv) in response to changing flow rates, providing a constant staged pressure drop without the need for moving mechanical parts, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing maintenance complexities.
Implementation Method 1
fluid dynamics change the number of flow passages based on flow rate, allowing for a variable effective restriction area without moving parts
Data Source
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AI summary
Pressure reducers are disclosed that, in some embodiments, are designed for use in a pressurized pipe line to provide variable resistance to flow of process fluid, such as steam or water, with no moving parts. The pressure reducers have an elongate outer shell and an inner sleeve spaced radially inwardly from the outer shell. The outer shell is defined by an outer annular wall having an open end and an end wall opposite the open end. The inner sleeve and the outer shell are connected near the open end. The inner sleeve defines a passageway that extends into a cavity defined by the outer shell and has an outlet that is spaced from the end wall. The outer annular wall and the end wall are perforated by a plurality of flow holes extending therethrough, and the sleeve is preferably not perforated.