Smooth Variable-Cross-Section U-Bends for Lower Pressure Loss

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid network components, particularly U-bends, suffer from high pressure drop and erosion issues due to their circular cross-section design, which is cost-effective but inefficient in terms of fluid flow and sedimentation, leading to increased operational and capital costs.

Innovation Solution

The design of fluid network components, specifically U-bends, features a continuously smooth and differentiable perimeter and centerline with a smoothly varying cross-section, reducing the aspect ratio quotient (ARQ) from 1.0 to 1.02 at the inlet and outlet, and from 1.02 to 1.15 over 90% of the length, thereby reducing overall pressure drop by 10% or more compared to conventional designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional circular cross-section components are used, then manufacturing cost is minimized, but pressure drop increases and flow efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional shape along the length of the conduit. The cross-section transitions from circular at inlet/outlet regions (ARQ ≈ 1.0) to more complex shapes with higher ARQ values (1.02-1.15) in intermediate sections. This localized variation optimizes flow characteristics and reduces pressure drop in specific regions while maintaining manufacturability in others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the cross-sectional geometry variable along the conduit length rather than uniform. The aspect ratio quotient (ARQ) changes continuously from inlet to outlet, creating a dynamic flow path that adapts to flow conditions and reduces energy losses compared to static circular sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If circular cross-section components are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flow efficiency and sedimentation performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent geometryVSAvoidflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional shape along the length of the conduit. The cross-section transitions from circular at inlet/outlet regions (ARQ ≈ 1.0) to more complex shapes with higher ARQ values (1.02-1.15) in intermediate sections. This localized variation optimizes flow characteristics and reduces pressure drop in specific regions while maintaining manufacturability in others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional designs are used, then capital cost is reduced, but operational cost increases due to erosion and fouling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapital costVSAvoiderosion and fouling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cross-sectional geometry parameters along the conduit length. The aspect ratio quotient (ARQ) is varied from approximately 1.0 at inlet/outlet to 1.02-1.15 in intermediate sections. This parameter variation optimizes flow distribution, reduces turbulence-induced erosion, and minimizes sedimentation and fouling throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11867470B2U-bends with the reduced pressure losses to fluid distributing networks

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 NOVA CHEM (INT) SA

AI summary

Provided herein are components for a fluid network modified for one or more objective functions of interest such as pressure drop, erosion rate, fouling, coke deposition and operating costs.