Structural Optimizations of U‐ and Z‐Type Manifolds for Uniform Flow Distribution by Applying an Increaser and Baffle Plates

Abstract

AbstractBased on previous experiments for U‐ and Z‐type manifolds, numerical models were established; then, investigations were conducted on the effect of the optimized designs on the flow distribution. An increaser and baffle plates were attached to the distribution header for the U‐ and Z‐type manifolds, respectively, considering various configurations and sizes. The results indicate that an increaser could markedly reduce the non‐uniformity with a simultaneous decrease of the pressure drop, and baffle plates could also drastically improve the flow distribution, but at the cost of a slight pressure drop increase. By comprehensively applying an increaser and baffle plates in the Z‐type manifold, this adverse effect could be eliminated.