Fluid-Solid Interaction Simulation Methodology for Coriolis Flowmeter Operation Analysis.

Evgeniia Shavrina,Boo Cheong Khoo,Zeng Yan,Vinh-Tan Nguyen

doi:10.3390/s21238105

Abstract

Numerical simulation is a widely used tool for Coriolis flowmeter (CFM) operation analysis. However, there is a lack of experimentally validated methodologies for the CFM simulation. Moreover, there is no consensus on suitable turbulence models and configuration simplifications. The present study intends to address these questions in a framework of a fluid-solid interaction simulation methodology by coupling the finite volume method and finite element method for fluid and solid domains, respectively. The Reynolds stresses (RSM) and eddy viscosity-based turbulence models are explored and compared for CFM simulations. The effects of different configuration simplifications are investigated. It is demonstrated that the RSM model is favorable for the CFM operation simulations. It is also shown that the configuration simplifications should not include the braces neglect or the equivalent flowmeter tube length assumption. The simulation results are validated by earlier experimental data, showing a less than 5% discrepancy. The proposed methodology will increase the confidence in CFM operation simulations and consequently provide the foundation for further studies of flowmeter usage in various fields.

Highlights

Coriolis flowmeters (CFMs) are widely used in various industries for the accurate measurement of mass flow rate
The time shift is measured at the intersection of the calculated wave function and the zero line, as in the experimental study conducted by Sultan [24]
The imbalances of the conservation are kept in the range of 0.5% and the maximum residuals are less than 1 × 10−5 for the fluid domain for all conducted simulations

Summary

Introduction

Coriolis flowmeters (CFMs) are widely used in various industries for the accurate measurement of mass flow rate. The accuracy of the CFM metering is aimed to be higher than 99.9% for a water flow [1,2]. Cheesewright et al [3] showed that, for example, a pulsating flow may lead to an erroneous meter reading. A disturbed flow before a CFM may cause a flowmeter output reading deviation of up to 4% [4]. Weinstein [5] stated that the multiphase presence may cause a significant error in industrial applications of CFMs. the effects of flow features on CFMs should be further investigated to ensure the desired accuracy

Methods

Results

Conclusion