Effect of the Fractal-Grid Generated Turbulence on Turbulent Intensity and Pressure Drop in Pipe Flow

Abstract

The orifice plate flow meter is the most common form of differential pressure flow meter used in industry. However, in practical applications the flow approaching the orifice meter is often disturbed by pipe-fittings and consequently the measurements become inaccurate. Basically, the design of orifice plate meters that are independent of the upstream disturbances is a main goal for orifice plate metering. Either using a long straight pipe, or a flow conditioner upstream of an orifice plate, usually achieves this goal. This paper will discuss the effect of the fractal flow conditioner flow conditions has been investigated in an experimental rig and validation of the results has been justified with the appropriate CFD domains. Experiments will be conducted in transparent pipe for easy to see the change of the air flow after across the fractal conditioner. These experiments will be run at five times using three different porosity fractal plates. Two methods will be used for velocity measurements which are using Pitot tube to measure inlet velocity and hot wire anemometer to measure mean velocity fluctuations within the test section. Experimental result will be presented in form of velocity profiles as well as the velocity fluctuations due to the traverse distance from y-axis. Whole the results will lead to the objectives of this case study whether achievable or not and as an alternative to the measurement of turbulent intensity.