OPTIMIZATION OF THE GEOMETRIC PROFILE OF A CRESCENT ORIFICE

Abstract

An orifice is a fundamental flow measuring and control device that works on the pressure difference (Δp) concept in single and multiphase flows. Flow measurement is critical in the petroleum, energy, laboratory, chemical, nuclear, mining, processing, and food industries for flow regulation. Circular orifice flow measurement contains errors in flow measurement. Various orifice shapes used for different applications better reduce errors and uncertainty. The present work carries a numerical analysis based on computational fluid dynamics–based software (Ansys Inc.) to determine the coefficient of discharge and pressure drop for a crescent orifice. The geometric parameters considered to be variable for the investigations are Reynolds number (Re), orifice thickness (space ratio as τ), and area ratio (as σ). Air is considered flowing fluid as a single fluid. The geometric profiles also change as the inner and outer curvature for optimizing design according to the flow profile and determination of the coefficient of discharge. The outcome will aid in the design and control of the flow measuring instrument in the relevant flow field for the optimal design of the crescent orifice.