Turbulence Free Ring Pipe Coupler Flow Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lengthy underground pipe systems, turbulence at pipe-coupler joints leads to reduced flow efficiency, increased wear on components, and higher operational costs due to sudden changes in fluid flow cross-section, causing turbulent flow and additional load on pump motors and bearings.
Innovation Solution
A turbulence-free ring (TFR) is integrated into pipe-coupler units, featuring a closed loop with webbed portions and a raised section that aligns with the inner surface upon assembly, providing a uniform flow surface and reducing resistance by compressing to fit within the gap between fixed and removable pipes, maintaining laminar flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional pipe-coupler joints are used, then the pipe system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but turbulence occurs at the joints causing reduced flow efficiency and increased energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence-free ring acts as an intermediary component installed at the pipe-coupler joint. It mediates between the fixed pipe and removable pipe by providing a smooth transition surface that guides fluid flow, eliminating turbulence without requiring complex joint designs. The ring is a simple annular structure that fits into the coupler's groove, maintaining ease of manufacture while dramatically improving flow efficiency and reducing energy loss.
2Reliability
If conventional pipe-coupler joints are used, then the device structure is simple, but the sudden change in fluid flow cross-section causes increased wear on pump motors and bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence-free ring serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the mechanical stress and flow disturbances at the joint. By providing a smooth transition surface, it prevents direct transmission of turbulent forces to pump motors and bearings, thereby extending component service life. The ring's simple annular design with a groove for positioning does not significantly increase device complexity while delivering substantial reliability improvements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional pipe-coupler joints are used, then manufacturing and assembly are straightforward, but turbulence creates additional load on pump motors increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence-free ring mediates between the simple coupler structure and the fluid flow, reducing turbulent energy that would otherwise translate into additional motor load. By smoothing the flow transition, it decreases the power required by pump motors, lowering operational costs. The ring integrates easily into existing coupler designs through a groove feature, maintaining ease of manufacture and assembly while delivering significant energy savings.
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 TFR enhances flow efficiency, reduces the load on ancillary components, and extends the service life of the pipe system by minimizing turbulence and fluid losses, thereby optimizing output and reducing running costs.
Implementation Method 1
providing a uniform flow surface and reducing resistance by compressing to fit within the gap between fixed and removable pipes, maintaining laminar flow
Implementation Method 2
turbulence at pipe-coupler joints leads to reduced flow efficiency, increased wear on components
Data Source
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AI summary
The present subject matter relates to a turbulence free ring (TFR) (10), for a pipe-coupler unit (1). The TFR (10) includes a main portion (26), forming a closed loop of predetermined diameter, webbed portions (14) extending in an axial direction from the main portion (26), a fitment edge (16), extending in a radially outward direction from the main portion (26), and a raised section (18) having a substantially flat top surface (20). The raised section (18) extends in a radially inward direction from the main portion (26).