Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Technology Category/ Market
Category – Applied Mechanics & Mechanical Engineering
Applications–Biomedical systems, combustion chambers, vacuum ejectors, Flow separation techniques , gas turbines, aerodynamics, Hydraulics
Industry – Biomedical; Oil and Gas; Automotive
Market –Fluid Control Market was valued at USD 4,972.8 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a 9.7% CAGR from 2023 to 2029.
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Problem Statement
- Flow geometries has immense importance in fundamental and applied fluid mechanics studies, such as analysis of blood flow patterns, combustion dynamics, and rapid vacuum generation
- In axisymmetric sudden expansion geometries, the flow tends to transition between highly asymmetric and less asymmetric states when changing from a symmetric planar sudden expansion (two-dimensional) to an axisymmetric (three-dimensional) geometry which imparts challenges in optimizing fluid flow behavior
Technology
The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for controlling flow of a fluid
Major components include:
- Sudden expansion member has a top wall and a bottom wall and also comprises a pair of side walls
- Flange is connected to the proximal end of the sudden expansion member
- The arcuate member has a U-shaped profile, that includes opening in the form of a slot extending in the longitudinal direction of the arcuate member
- The arcuate member coupled to the flange is configured to move in a lateral direction of the sudden expansion member , the said opening is present for inlet of the fluid into the sudden expansion member.
The Method for Controlling Flow of Fluid the following steps :
- Control of Arcuate Member: Flow of a fluid is controlled through the manipulation of an arcuate member, capable of lateral movement within a sudden expansion member
- Velocity Profile Measurement:The velocity profile of the fluid is measured at multiple axial locations within the sudden expansion member
- Comparing a flow spread: Compared at plurality of axial locations of the sudden expansion , to provide insights into the uniformity or asymmetry
- Calculating a flow growth rate: Rate of change of the flow spread at the plurality of axial locations of the sudden expansion member, when the arcuate member is between the top wall or the bottom wall
- Evaluating Mixing Enhancement: Comparing the flow growth rate with the rate of change of the flow spread of the fluid when the arcuate member is at any of the top wall or the bottom wall
- The arcuate member moves between the top wall and the bottom wall to continuously switch the flow of the fluid between an asymmetric flow and a symmetric flow
- The apparatus may include a controller for varying the speed of an output shaft of the electric motor and a hall-effect encoder for measuring the speed of the output shaft of the electric motor.
- This comparison allows for the assessment of how effective the method is in enhancing the mixing of the fluid as it flows through the sudden expansion member.
Key Features/ Value Proposition
Technical Perspective:
- Provides an apparatus for flow control and mixing applications of fluid in a sudden expansion geometry
- Capable of continuously switching flow of the fluid between asymmetric flow and symmetric flow, to enhance the mixing characteristics of the fluid.
- Precise control of fluid flow while switching it between symmetric and asymmetric states at a specified rate
- A higher flow growth rate when the arcuate member is between the top and bottom walls indicates better mixing enhancement.
User Perspective:
A cost-effective and efficient mechanism in sudden expansion geometry in both low-speed and high-speed flow conditions
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Rajesh G
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 2224
- IN449740- Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL-5
Technology Demonstrated in Relevant Environment