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Pipe Bend - Simulate hydraulic resistance in pipe bend

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Local Hydraulic Resistances

Description

The Pipe Bend block represents a pipe bend as a local hydraulic resistance. The pressure loss in the bend is assumed to consist of

The loss in a straight pipe is simulated with the Hydraulic Resistive Tube block. The loss due to curvature is simulated with the Local Resistance block, and the pressure loss coefficient is determined in accordance with the Crane Co. recommendations (see [1], p. A-29). The flow regime is checked in the underlying Local Resistance block by comparing the Reynolds number to the specified critical Reynolds number value.

The pressure loss due to curvature for turbulent flow regime is determined according to the following formula:

where

qFlow rate
pPressure loss
KPressure loss coefficient
ABend cross-sectional area
ρFluid density

For laminar flow regime, the formula for pressure loss computation is modified, as described in the reference documentation for the Local Resistance block.

The pressure loss coefficient is determined according to recommendation provided in [1]:

where

KdBase friction factor coefficient
KrCorrection coefficient accounting for the bend curvature
KαCorrection coefficient accounting for the bend angle

The base friction factor coefficient is determined according to the following table.

The correction coefficient accounting for the bend curvature is determined according to the next table.

The bend curvature relative radius is calculated as

r = bend radius / pipe diameter

Correction for non-90o bends is performed with the empirical formula (see [2], Fig. 4.6):

where

αBend angle in degrees (0 ≤ α ≤ 180)

Connections A and B are conserving hydraulic ports associated with the block inlet and outlet, respectively.

The block positive direction is from port A to port B. This means that the flow rate is positive if fluid flows from A to B, and the pressure differential is determined as .

Basic Assumptions and Limitations

The model is based on the following assumptions:

Dialog Box and Parameters

Pipe diameter

The internal diameter of the pipe. The default value is 0.01 m.

Bend radius

The radius of the bend. The default value is 0.04 m.

Bend angle

The angle of the bend. The value must be in the range between 0 and 180 degrees. The default value is 90 deg.

Internal surface roughness height

Roughness height on the pipe internal surface. The parameter is typically provided in data sheets or manufacturer's catalogs. The default value is 1.5e-5 m, which corresponds to drawn tubing.

Critical Reynolds number

The maximum Reynolds number for laminar flow. The transition from laminar to turbulent regime is supposed to take place when the Reynolds number reaches this value. The value of the parameter depends on geometrical profile, and the recommendations on the parameter value can be found in hydraulic textbooks. The default value is 350.

Global Parameters

Fluid density

The parameter is determined by the type of working fluid selected for the system under design. Use the Hydraulic Fluid block or the Custom Hydraulic Fluid block to specify the fluid properties.

Fluid kinematic viscosity

The parameter is determined by the type of working fluid selected for the system under design. Use the Hydraulic Fluid block or the Custom Hydraulic Fluid block to specify the fluid properties.

Ports

The block has the following ports:

A

Hydraulic conserving port associated with the bend inlet.

B

Hydraulic conserving port associated with the bend outlet.

References

[1] Flow of Fluids Through Valves, Fittings, and Pipe, Crane Valves North America, Technical Paper No. 410M

[2] George R. Keller, Hydraulic System Analysis, Published by the Editors of Hydraulics & Pneumatics Magazine, 1970

See Also

Elbow

Gradual Area Change

Local Resistance

Hydraulic Resistive Tube

Sudden Area Change

T-junction

  


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