Simulation And Experimental Research On Flow Distribution In The Manifolds

Manifolds is a typical flow distribution device, it is commonly used in the heating-furnaces, heat exchangers, reactors, boilers and so on. The uniformity of flow distribution in the manifolds strongly affect their running safety and efficiency. This paper has systematically researched and analyzed the fluid flow in the manifolds by numerical simulation theoretical calculation and experimental research, and studied the main influencing factors on the flow distribution non-uniformity such as the mass flow rate, inlet methods and the structural parameters. The measures to improve the flow distribution uniformity have also given. The research results have important engineering significance to optimize and safely of use the manifolds.Firstly, fluid flow was simulated by the fluent software in the T-tube and the manifolds. We studied the fluid influencing parameters on the distribution characteristics such as the inlet method (radial and axial), mass flow rate, headers diameter, diameter and length of parallel pipes, and interval length between pipes. The numerical simulation result showed that radial inlet method was flow distribution uniformity than axial inlet method with the same inlet flow rate and structural sizes. The flow distribution uniformity decreases when mass flow rate and diameter of parallel pipes increases. The flow distribution uniformity increases with headers diameter, length of parallel pipes and interval length between pipes increased.Secondly, the flow distribution was calculated by discrete mathematic model in axial inlet manifolds, the calculation results agree with the simulation results.Finally, experimental studied on the distribution characteristics at air-water experimental facility for the manifolds of radial inlet method. The experimental results agree with the simulation results. So the simulation method was correct in this paper.