The simulation modeled flow rates through inlet manifold distribution holes in a water jacket to size holes for even cooling water distribution. Using Flownex, various flow rates from 0.05 to 3.0 kg/s were tested. Results showed flow deviations under 1% above 0.25 kg/s and below 5% at low flows, confirming acceptable flow distribution for all operating conditions.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the simulation is to model the flow rates through the respective distribution holes of the inlet manifold. This was required to initially determine the appropriate size of the holes in order to achieve an even distribution of cooling water around the circumference at the bottom of the water jacket.
BENEFITS
Quickly determine resistance requirements to ensure balanced flow, i.e. Orifice sizes, valve openings and pipe diameters.
Ensure equal flow distribution in branching systems.
Flownex solves for conservation of momentum in a system, this ensures flow distribution in various branching lines is calculated by the solver.
SOLUTION
The results show that the flow distribution will be acceptable for all flow rates envisaged during the operation of the water jacket.
INTRODUCTION
This case study demonstrates the flow balancing that was investigated as part of the design of a water jacket. The water jacket is used to cool a cylindrical test section that forms part of a highly specialized experimental facility.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The configuration considered in this example is shown in Figure 1.
The water jacket consists of two co-axial large-diameter stainless steel walls kept apart by several short tube struts welded onto the respective walls. The radius of the inner wall is 1.2 m. The water jacket is fitted with an inlet manifold at the bottom with a cross-sectional area approximately equal to that of a 100 mm diameter pipe. The detail is shown in Figure 2.
The cooling water enters via a single inlet pipe on the manifold and is distributed around the circumference via ten distribution holes with 25 mm diameter. The cooling water flows upwards between the walls and around the struts and leaves the water jacket via the outlet manifold at the top through a single outlet pipe.
The objective of the simulation is to model the flow rates through the respective distribution holes of the inlet manifold.
OBJECTIVE OF SIMULATION
The objective of the simulation is to model the flow rates through the respective distribution holes of the inlet manifold. This was required to initially determine the appropriate size of the holes in order to achieve an even distribution of cooling water around the circumference at the bottom of the water jacket.
The simulation was done for various flow rates from 3.0 kg/s down to 0.05 kg/s as it may vary during the operation of the water jacket.
FLOWNEX MODEL
The Flownex model of the system is shown in Figure 3.
Node 1 represents the connection to the manifold from the cooling water supply system. Node 2 is situated inside the manifold. Pipe elements 2 to 11 represent the inlet manifold itself, with each section having a length of approximately 750 mm.
The flow distribution holes are represented by the orifices elements 12 to 21. Node 12 represents the bottom of the water jacket between the two walls for which a uniform pressure distribution is desired.
DESCRIPTION OF SIMULATION
The absolute pressure within the manifold of 300 kPa is specified as the boundary value at Node 12. The total mass flow rate is specified as the boundary value in the form of a mass source at Node 1. The simulation was done for various different flow rates from 3.0 kg/s down to 0.05 kg/s as it may vary during the operation of the water jacket.
RESULTS
Figure 4 shows the results of the simulations in term of the percentage deviation in flow rate at the different openings for various total flow rates. From the results it is clear that the higher the total flow rate, the smaller the deviations, i.e. the more evenly distributed the flow will be. It also shows that for total flow rates above 0.25 kg/s the maximum deviation will be below one percent. At very low flow rates the maximum deviation is still below five percent.
CONCLUSION
The results show that the flow distribution will be acceptable for all flow rates envisaged during the operation of the water jacket.