scholarly journals Numerical Simulation of the Flow Through the Return Channel of Multi-Stage Centrifugal Compressors

Author(s):  
L. J. Lenke ◽  
H. Simon

The numerical simulation of the flow within a return channel is reported in this paper. The investigated return channel is typically to join the exit from one stage of a centrifugal machine to the inlet of the next stage. These channel covers the range of extremely low flow coefficients. Different 3-D calculations with two different turbulence models (low-Reynolds-number k-ϵ and explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model) at the design point and part load range show the strongly three-dimensional flow structure with secondary flows on hub and shroud of the deswirl vanes. There are also significant separations downstream of the 180°-bend at suction and pressure side of the vanes. The presented numerical results are compared with experimental data in different planes and at the vane contour. The results indicate small differences between the turbulence models in the prediction of losses, flow angles and separation behavior at design point. At off-design conditions the turbulence models begin to deviate notably in their prediction of separation.

Author(s):  
L. J. Lenke ◽  
H. Simon

Numerical simulations of the flow within return channels for the aerodynamic design are presented. The investigated return channels are typical to join the exit from one stage of a centrifugal machine to the inlet of the next stage and cover the range of high flow coefficients. Due to the strongly three-dimensional flow structure with high streamline curvature and secondary flows on hub and shroud of the return channel vanes, a modified explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model will be used. Starting with a comparison between measurements and numerical results to demonstrate the performance of the turbulence model in the prediction of losses, exit flow angle and separation behavior, further numerical investigations with different variations of the geometry of the channel will be considered. 3-D turbulent calculations at the design point and part load range show the influence of the design especially of the crossover bend onto the flow structure.


2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Lenke ◽  
H. Simon

Abstract From the wide range of applications in which centrifugal compressors are used, two different return channels will be investigated, to demonstrate the influence of flow coefficients onto the flow structure. The investigated return channels are typical to join the exit from one stage of a centrifugal machine to the inlet of the next stage and cover the range of very small and large flow coefficients. Starting with a comparison between measurements and numerical results to demonstrate the performance of the calculations, the comparison of both return channels show that three-dimensional phenomena and viscous effects such as secondary flow and wakes have appreciable effect on the fluid dynamics and performance of centrifugal compressors. Especially the deceleration of the flow introduces large separations and recirculations which will decrease the efficiency. Furthermore, a variation of the 180°-bend demonstrates the influence of streamline curvature onto the separation behaviour within the whole return channel. Due to the strongly three-dimensional flow structure with high streamline curvature and secondary flows on hub and shroud of the return channel vanes, a modified explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model will be used for all calculations.


2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateusz Jędrzejewski ◽  
Marta Poćwierz ◽  
Katarzyna Zielonko-Jung

Abstract In the paper, the authors discuss the construction of a model of an exemplary urban layout. Numerical simulation has been performed by means of a commercial software Fluent using two different turbulence models: the popular k-ε realizable one, and the Reynolds Stress Model (RSM), which is still being developed. The former is a 2-equations model, while the latter – is a RSM model – that consists of 7 equations. The studies have shown that, in this specific case, a more complex model of turbulence is not necessary. The results obtained with this model are not more accurate than the ones obtained using the RKE model. The model, scale 1:400, was tested in a wind tunnel. The pressure measurement near buildings, oil visualization and scour technique were undertaken and described accordingly. Measurements gave the quantitative and qualitative information describing the nature of the flow. Finally, the data were compared with the results of the experiments performed. The pressure coefficients resulting from the experiment were compared with the coefficients obtained from the numerical simulation. At the same time velocity maps and streamlines obtained from the calculations were combined with the results of the oil visualisation and scour technique.


Author(s):  
Eugen-Dan Cristea ◽  
Pierangelo Conti

The paper presents a three-dimensional (3-D), time-dependent Euler-Lagrange multiphase approach for high-fidelity numerical simulation of strongly swirling, turbulent, heavy dust-laden flows within large-sized cyclone separators, as components of the state-of-art suspension preheaters (SPH) of cement kilns. The case study evaluates the predictive performance of the coupled hybrid 3-D computational fluid dynamics–dense discrete phase model (CFD-DDPM) approach implemented into the commercial general purpose code ANSYS-Fluent R16.2, when applied to industrial cyclone collectors used to separate particles from gaseous streams. The gas (flue gases) flow is addressed numerically by using the traditional CFD methods to solve finite volume unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (FV-URANS) equations. The multiphase turbulence is modeled by using an option of Reynolds stress model (RSM), namely dispersed turbulence model. The motion of the discrete (granular) phase is captured by DDPM methodology. The twin cyclones of SPH top-most stage have been analyzed extensively both for the overall pressure drop and global collection efficiency, and for the very complex multiphase flow patterns established inside this equipment. The numerical simulation results have been verified and partially validated against an available set of typical industrial measurements collected during a heat and mass balance (H&MB) of the cement kiln.


2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petras Vaitiekūnas ◽  
Inga Jakštonienė

This paper aims to analyse the problem of numerical modelling of the airflow in a conical reverse‐flow (CRF) cyclone with tangential inlet (equipment for separation of solid particles from gaseous fluid flow). A review of experimental and theoretical papers that describe cyclones with very complex swirling flow is performed. Three‐dimensional transport differential equations for incompressible turbulent flow inside a cyclone are solved numerically using finite volume‐based turbulence models, namely, the Standard k–ϵ model, the RNG k–ϵ model and the Reynolds stress model (RSM). The paper describes the numerical modelling of the airflow in the CRF cyclone, the height of which is 0.75 m, diameter ‐ 0.17 m, height of cylindrical part ‐ 0.255 m, height of conical part ‐ 0.425 m, inlet area is 0.085×0.032 m2. Mathematical model of airflow in a cyclone consisted of Navier‐Stokes (Reynolds) three‐dimensional differential equation system. Modelling results, obtained from the numerical tests when inlet velocity is 4.64, 9.0 and 14.8 m/s and flow rate is, respectively, 0.0112, 0.0245 and 0.0408 (0.0388) m3/s, have demonstrated a reasonable agreement with other authors’ experimental and theoretical results. The average relative error was ± 7.5%. Santrauka Nagrinejama duju aerodinamikos kūginiame grižtamojo srauto (KGS) ciklone (irenginys kietosioms dalelems atskirti iš oro srauto) su tangentiniu srauto itekejimu skaitinio modeliavimo problema. Trimates nespūdžiojo turbulentinio srauto ciklono viduje pernašos diferencialines lygtys skaitiškai sprestos baigtiniu tūriu metodu taikant standartini k–ϵ, RNG k–ϵ ir Reinoldso itempiu (RIM) turbulencijos modelius. Atliktas skaitinis oro srauto judejimo KGS ciklone modeliavimas. Ciklono aukštis – 0,75 m, skersmuo ‐ 0,17 m, cilindrines dalies aukšti ‐ 0,255 m, kūgines ‐ 0,425 m, itekejimo angos plotas 0,085×0,032 m2. Oro srauto judejimo ciklone matematinis modelis – Navje ir Stokso (Reinoldso) trimačiu diferencialiniu lygčiu sistema. Modeliavimo rezultatai, kai itekejimo greitis 4,64, 9,0 bei 14,8 m/s ir debitas – 0,0112, 0,0245 ir 0,0408 (0,0388) m3/s, neblogai sutapo su kitu autoriu eksperimentiniais rezultatais. Vidutine santykine paklaida ‐ ± 8 proc. Резюме Анализируется проблема аэродинамики газового потока в коническом возвратного потока (КВП) циклоне (оборудование для отделения твердых частиц от газового потока) с тангенциальной подачей газа. Произведен обзор экспериментальных и теоретических работ в циклонах такого типа, в которых образуется сложное вихревое течение потока. Для моделирования использованы трехмерные дифференциальные уравнения переноса, численно решаемые методом конечных объемов с использованием следующих моделей: стaндартной k–e, RNG k–e и рейнольдсовой модели турбулентности напряжений. Произведено численное моделирование движения потока воздуха в циклоне КВП, высота которого 0,75 м, диаметр – 0,17 м, высота цилиндрической части – 0,255 м, конической части – 0,425 м, площадь входного отверстия – 0,085×0,032 м 2 . Математическую модель движения потока воздуха в циклоне составила система трехмерных дифференциальных уравнений Навье-Стокса и Рейнольдса. Анализ результатов, произведенный при скоростях втекания в циклон 4,64, 9,0 и 14,8 м/с (дебит – 0,0112, 0,0245 и 0,0408 м 3 /c) и для модели рейнольдсовых напряжений, показал приемлемую согласованность с результатами других исследователей – со средней относительной погрешностью ± 7,5 проц.


Fluids ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingrui Liu ◽  
Xiuling Wang

Three-dimensional urban wind field construction plays an important role not only in the analysis of pedestrian levels of comfort but also in the effectiveness of harnessing wind energy in an urban environment. However, it is challenging to accurately simulate urban wind flow due to the complex land use in urban environments. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model was developed for urban wind flow construction. To obtain an accurate urban wind field, various turbulence models, including the Reynolds stress model (RSM), k-ω shear stress transport (SST), realizable k-ε, and (Re-Normalisation Group (RNG) k-ε models were tested. Simulation results were compared with experimental data in the literature. The RSM model showed promising potential in simulating urban wind flow. The model was then adopted to simulate urban wind flow for Purdue University Northwest, which is located in the Northwest Indiana urban region. Based on the simulation results, the optimal location was identified for urban wind turbine siting.


2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 603-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehrdad Shademan ◽  
Ram Balachandar ◽  
Ronald M. Barron

Three-dimensional steady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations have been carried out to investigate the effect of the nozzle stand-off distance on the mean and turbulence characteristics of jets impinging vertically on flat surfaces. As part of the study, the performance of different turbulence models such as Realizable k–ε, k–ω SST, and Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) were evaluated. Based on comparisons with experimental data, RSM was chosen to further evaluate the characteristics of impinging jets. The Reynolds number based on the jet exit velocity and nozzle diameter is 100 000. Three different nozzle height-to-diameter ratios, representing different types of impinging jets, were simulated and compared with available experimental data. A strong dependency of the jet characteristics on the nozzle height-to-diameter ratio was observed. The simulations show that an increase in this ratio results in larger shear stress and more distributed pressure on the wall, more development of the flow in the axial direction and faster progress of the jet in the wall region. The current simulations present a robust step-by-step computational fluid dynamics approach to investigate the role of the nozzle height-to-diameter ratio on the impinging jet flow parameters.


Author(s):  
Krishnan V. Pagalthivarthi ◽  
John M. Furlan ◽  
Robert J. Visintainer

Flow through centrifugal pump casing is highly complex in nature due to the complex geometry of the casing. While simplified two dimensional modeling of pump casing reveals the overall flow pattern and pressure distribution, a complete 3D model of pump casing is essential to fully capture the interaction of the primary main stream flow and the secondary flows especially in areas of heavy recirculation. This paper presents steady state finite element simulation of multi-size particulate slurry flow through three dimensional pump casing. The flow field and concentration distribution is presented for different cross-sectional planes. The multi-size particulate flow simulation results are compared with two mono-size particle simulations using (1) the concentration weighted mean diameter of the slurry and (b) the D50 size of the slurry. Qualitative comparison is made with the wear rate predicted by the simulations and the field data. Simulations and field data show that at low flow rates, the side-wall gouging wear near the tongue region becomes significant.


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