Vortex Suppression Channels for Pipeline Instrument Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Insertion of instruments into pipelines during fluid flow leads to vortex-induced vibrations due to adverse pressure gradients, causing damage to instruments and downstream equipment, especially under certain flow regimes.
Innovation Solution
A vortex suppression device with an elongate body featuring channels and openings that direct high-velocity fluid flow from the leading to the trailing section, reducing static pressure and preventing boundary layer flow separation, thereby disrupting vortex formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an instrument is inserted into a pipeline during fluid flow, then product quality control and pipeline integrity monitoring can be performed, but vortex-induced vibrations occur causing damage to instruments and downstream equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the adverse pressure gradient that causes vortex formation to instead create a controlled low-pressure zone at the trailing edge of the instrument. By strategically positioning openings and channels to exploit this pressure differential, the harmful vortex-induced vibrations are converted into a beneficial flow control mechanism that prevents boundary layer separation and eliminates vortices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces openings and channels as intermediary structures between the high-velocity fluid flow and the instrument body. These intermediaries allow controlled fluid communication that equalizes pressure gradients and prevents the adverse pressure conditions that lead to vortex formation, thereby protecting the instrument from harmful vibrations.
2Productivity
If fluid flow velocity increases to improve productivity, then more efficient transport is achieved, but vortex-induced vibrations become more severe causing instrument damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by pre-establishing controlled low-pressure zones through strategically positioned openings and channels before adverse pressure gradients can develop. This proactive pressure management prevents boundary layer separation and vortex formation even at high flow velocities, allowing efficient fluid transport without compromising instrument integrity.
3Measurement precision
If an elongate body is placed in fluid flow transverse to its longitudinal axis for measurement, then fluid properties can be determined, but adverse pressure gradients cause boundary layer separation and vortex formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating localized low-pressure zones at specific positions along the elongate body through strategically positioned openings and channels. This localized pressure management prevents boundary layer separation at critical regions while maintaining the overall measurement function, thereby stabilizing the flow regime without compromising fluid property determination.
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 device effectively reduces the severity of vortex-induced vibrations by maintaining an even pressure gradient and minimizing boundary layer separation, enhancing the integrity of instruments and pipeline systems.
Implementation Method 1
the channel allows fluid flow towards the trailing section that disrupts the formation of vortices
Implementation Method 2
The change in fluid velocity around the cylinder effects the pressure gradient around the cylinder according to Bernoulli's principle
Implementation Method 3
the channel being configured so that in use, when the device is in the pathway, the channel allows fluid flow towards the trailing section that disrupts the formation of vortices
Implementation Method 4
This adverse pressure gradient causes recirculation of flow which results in separation of boundary layer flow from the cylinder
Implementation Method 5
The alternate shedding of vortices produces an oscillatory force also known as vortex induced vibration (VIV)
Implementation Method 6
For low Reynolds numbers (Re ̃90) the flow pattern around the body becomes asymmetric and the low-pressure zone moves across the surface of the cylinder resulting in alternate shedding of vortices, also known as a Kármán vortex street
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex suppression device (10) for a fluid flowing along a pathway (A-E), including: an elongate body with an outer surface having an elongate leading section and an elongate trailing section along the length of the elongate body, in relation to a direction of fluid flow (A-E) when the device is located in the pathway, the elongate body having at least one channel (24a-24d, 26a, 26b) which extends from the elongate leading section to the elongate trailing section of the elongate body, the channel (24a-24d, 26a, 26b) being configured so that in use, when the device is in the pathway, the channel (24a-24d, 26a, 26b) allows fluid flow (J) towards the trailing section that disrupts the formation of vortices (D).