VORTEX SUPPRESSION DEVICE

Abstract

A vortex suppressing sample probe for a fluid flowing along a pathway. The sample probe includes an elongate body with an outer surface having an elongate leading section and an elongate trailing section along the length of the elongate body, in relation to a direction of fluid flow when the device is located in the pathway. The elongate body can have at least one channel or groove which extends from the elongate leading section to the elongate trailing section of the elongate body. The channel or groove can be configured so that in use, when the device is in the pathway, the channel or groove allows fluid flow towards the trailing section that disrupts the formation of vortices. The groove can be a circumferential groove that follows a sinusoidal path around the outer surface of the elongate body.

Claims

1. A vortex suppressing sample probe for a fluid flowing in a pipeline, the sample probe comprising: an elongate body with an outer surface having a leading section and a trailing section along a length of the elongate body, in relation to a direction of fluid flow when the sample probe is located in the pipeline, the elongate body having one or more grooves defined in the outer surface and that extend from the leading section to the trailing section of the elongate body, the grooves being configured so that in use, when the sample probe is in the pipeline, the grooves allow fluid flow towards the trailing section that disrupts a formation of vortices.

2. The sample probe of claim 1, wherein the grooves follow a path around the elongate body selected from the group consisting of a sinusoidal path, a circumferential path, and helical path.

3. The sample probe of claim 1, wherein the grooves are circumferential grooves that follow a sinusoidal path around the outer surface of the elongate body, and wherein the circumferential grooves extend transversely to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body from the leading section to the trailing section.

4. The sample probe of claim 1, wherein the elongate body having a first end, a second end and an internal passage extending between the first end and the second end for collecting fluid samples.

5. The sample probe of claim 4, wherein the elongate body further comprising a threaded connection located at the second end for connecting the sample probe to an auxiliary piece of equipment.

6. The sample probe of claim 4, wherein the sample probe further comprising a flow regulating arrangement located at the first end for regulating the flow of fluid into or out of the internal passage.

7. The sample probe of claim 6, wherein the flow regulating arrangement includes a valve in fluid communication with the internal passage.

8. The sample probe of claim 7, wherein the valve includes a poppet valve body, and a spring configured to bias the poppet valve body to rest on an annular valve seat.

9. The sample probe of claim 8, wherein the spring is located in an internal flow regulating passage defined in the flow regulating arrangement.

10. The sample probe of claim 9, wherein the flow regulating arrangement includes a filter in fluid communication with the internal flow regulating passage.

11. The sample probe of claim 1, wherein the elongate body is configured to be inserted into the pipeline.

12. The sample probe of claim 1, wherein the elongate body includes any one of or combination selected from the group consisting of an injection nozzle for dispersion of liquids, a measurement device for determining fluid properties, and a corrosion coupon for monitoring corrosion of the pipeline.

13. A vortex suppressing sample probe for a fluid flowing in a pipeline, the sample probe comprising: an elongate body having a first end, a second end, an internal passage extending between the first end and the second end for collecting fluid samples, and an outer surface including a leading section and a trailing section along a length of the elongate body, in relation to a direction of fluid flow when the sample probe is located in the pipeline, the elongate body having one or more grooves defined in the outer surface and that extend from the leading section to the trailing section of the elongate body, the grooves being configured so that in use, when the sample probe is in the pipeline, the grooves allow fluid flow towards the trailing section that disrupts a formation of vortices; and a flow regulating arrangement located at the first end, the flow regulating arrangement includes a valve in fluid communication with the internal passage for regulating the flow of fluid into or out of the internal passage.

14. The sample probe of claim 13, wherein the grooves follow a path around the elongate body selected from the group consisting of any one or any combination of a sinusoidal path, a circumferential path, and helical path.

15. The sample probe of claim 13, wherein the grooves are circumferential grooves that follow a sinusoidal path around the outer surface of the elongate body, and wherein the circumferential grooves extend transversely to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body from the leading section to the trailing section.

16. The sample probe of claim 13, wherein the elongate body further comprising a threaded connection located at the second end for connecting the sample probe to an auxiliary piece of equipment.

17. The sample probe of claim 13, wherein the valve includes a poppet valve body, and a spring configured to bias the poppet valve body to rest on an annular valve seat.

18. The sample probe of claim 17, wherein the spring is located in an internal flow regulating passage defined in the flow regulating arrangement.

19. The sample probe of claim 18, wherein the flow regulating arrangement includes a filter in fluid communication with the internal flow regulating passage.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The present technology will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0061] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vortex suppression device according to a first embodiment of the present technology;

[0062] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view 2-2 of the vortex suppression device of FIG. 1;

[0063] FIG. 3 is an end view of the vortex suppression device of FIG. 1;

[0064] FIG. 4 is a velocity plot results of a computational flow simulation for flow around a cylinder;

[0065] FIG. 5 is a velocity plot results of a computational flow simulation for flow around the vortex suppression device of FIG. 1;

[0066] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vortex suppression device according to a second embodiment of the present technology;

[0067] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, along plane on the longitudinal axis, of the vortex suppression device shown in FIG. 6;

[0068] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vortex suppression device according to a third embodiment of the present technology;

[0069] FIGS. 9A to 9D are plane views of the vortex suppression device of FIG. 8 taken at 90 degree increments around the longitudinal axis of device, wherein:

[0070] FIG. 9A is a first plane view (at 0 degrees);

[0071] FIG. 9B is a second plane view (at 90 degrees);

[0072] FIG. 9C is a third plane view (at 180 degrees);

[0073] FIG. 9D is a fourth plane view (at 270 degrees); and

[0074] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9D.

[0075] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0076] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular embodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.

[0077] The Figures show three embodiments of the vortex suppression device of the present technology. It is noted that these are not the only embodiments.

[0078] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 3, a first embodiment of the vortex suppression device is shown in the form of a sample probe 10 having a cylindrical shaped elongate body 12 with an outer surface defining a longitudinal axis 14. The elongate body 12 has a first end 16, a second end 18 and an internal sampling passage 20, extending between the first and second ends 16, 18, for collecting fluid samples (as shown in FIG. 2). The second end 18 has a male threaded connection for connecting the sample probe to an auxiliary piece of equipment. The first end 16 has an aperture 22 (as shown in FIG. 3) for receiving flow of fluid into the sampling passage 20.

[0079] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the elongate body 12 includes channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis 14 of the elongate body 12, through the elongate body 12.

[0080] When the sample probe 10 is positioned in a flow of fluid along a pathway (for example, see FIG. 5: fluid is flowing past the sample probe 10 in the direction of A to E), the outer surface defines an elongate leading section along the length of the sample probe 10 (for example, see FIG. 5: section of sample probe 10 local to area A) and an elongate trailing section along the length of the sample probe 10 (for example, see FIG. 5: section of the sample probe 10 local to Area D) in relation to a direction of fluid flow.

[0081] In use, the sample probe 10 is introduced to a fluid flow and oriented such that the longitudinal axis 14 is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow and the channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d are aligned with the direction of fluid flow. In such an orientation, fluid flow enters these channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, at the elongate leading section and flows through the elongate body 12 and exists the channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d at the elongate trailing section of the elongate body 12. High velocity fluid from the leading section of the elongate body 12 exists the channels at the trailing section of the elongate body 12 forming what is known as passive jets. These passive jets reduce the static pressure downstream of the elongate body which assists in preventing the formation of an adverse pressure gradient. This reduces the amount of boundary layer flow separation which, in turn, disrupts the formation of vortices.

[0082] FIG. 2 also shows two diametrically opposed openings 26a, 26b in the outer surface of the elongate body 12. The channels 24a and 24d intersect, perpendicularly, with two diametrically opposed openings 26a, 26b, respectively, to form passive jets at multiple angles around the elongate body 12.

[0083] The applicant has found that producing passive jets at multiple angles around the elongate body 12 provides a more even pressure gradient around the elongate body 12. The channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and openings 26a, 26b direct the high velocity fluid from the leading section of the elongate body 12 to the low-pressure area behind the trailing section of the elongate body 12 in order to restrict the transverse fluid motion around the elongate body 12 using the kinetic energy available in the flow. This not only reduces the boundary layer flow separation from the trailing section of the elongate body 12, but also reduces boundary layer flow separation from the elongate body 12 at other positions located between the leading section and the trailing section of the elongate body 12. The applicant has found that having more than one channel 24 reduces the severity of alternate shedding of vortices by increasing the kinetic energy available for vortex suppression at the trailing section of the elongate body 12.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows that the elongate body has a centreline 28 and that each of the channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d are offset from the centreline 28. A pair of channels 24b, 24c are offset by a distance typically greater than 4.5 mm. In the described embodiment the pair of channels 24b, 24c are offset by a distance of 6.5 mm and another pair of channels 24a, 24d are offset by a distance of 9.5 mm.

[0085] FIG. 1 shows that the channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d have a rectangular cross-section having a width and a height; the width extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 14 of the elongate body 12. The width of each of the channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d extends substantially the entire length of the elongate body 12 and the height of each the channels 24 is typically greater than 1 mm. In the described embodiment the height is 3 mm. It is advantageous for each of the channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d to have a constant cross-sectional size throughout its length in order to allow transfer of kinetic energy with minimal energy loss. In other words, it is typically undesirable to have any flow restrictions in the channels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d.

[0086] Each of the openings 26a, 26b has a rectangular cross-section having a width and a height; the width extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 14 of the elongate body 12. The width of each of the openings 26a, 26b extends substantially the entire length of the elongate body 12 and the height of each of the openings 26a, 26b is typically greater than 1 mm. In the described embodiment the height is 3 mm. It is advantageous for each of the openings 26a, 26b to have a constant cross-section throughout its length in order to allow transfer of kinetic energy with minimal energy loss. In other words, it is typically undesirable to have any flow restrictions in the openings 26a, 26b.

[0087] FIG. 3 shows an end view of the first end 16 of the sample probe shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the sample probe includes an aperture 22 which allows fluid flow to enter the sampling passage 20 and flow in a direction along the longitudinal axis 14 of the elongate body 12. The sampling passage 20 is used to obtain a sample from the fluid flow which can then be analysed to determine the properties of the fluid.

[0088] FIGS. 4 and 5 are comparative velocity plot results of a computational flow simulation of flow around a cylinder C (as shown in FIG. 4) with and the vortex suppression device 10 of the present technology (as shown in FIG. 5). Both simulations used the same fluid flow conditions, i.e. the same Reynolds number.

[0089] FIG. 4 shows a cylinder C in a flow of fluid traveling from A-E. The flow decelerates as it impacts the leading section of the cylinder C and forms a low-velocity area A. The flow separates at the leading section and travels in opposite directions around the cylinder C. As the flow travels around the cylinder it accelerates until it reaches a maximum velocity area B. Beyond this point, the flow decelerates as it travels around the cylinder C to a second low-velocity area D. The change in fluid velocity around the cylinder effects the pressure gradient around the cylinder according to Bernoulli's principle. At areas of low-velocity, such as at area D, the static pressure is high enough to produce an adverse pressure gradient, i.e. one that acts against the direction of flow. This adverse pressure gradient causes recirculation of flow and ultimately separation of boundary layer flow from the cylinder C. The flow that is separated in area D produces alternate shedding of vortices E in the wake of the cylinder C, also known as a Krmn vortex street.

[0090] FIG. 5 shows the vortex suppression device 10 in a flow of fluid traveling from A-E. The flow decelerates as it impacts the leading section of the vortex suppression device 10 and forms a low-velocity area A. The flow separates at the leading section and travels in opposite directions around the vortex suppression device 10. As the flow travels around the vortex suppression device 10 it accelerates until it reaches a maximum velocity area B proximal to the entrances of the channels 24a-24d. The flow from the maximum velocity area B is then conducted along the channels 24a-24d and openings 26a, 26b to the trailing section of the vortex suppression device 10 to exit the channels 24a-24d and openings 26a, 26b as passive jets J. The passive jets J reduce the static pressure downstream of the vortex suppression device 10. Reducing the static pressure assists in preventing the formation of an adverse pressure gradient. This reduces the amount of boundary layer flow separation which, in turn, disrupts the formation of vortices. Furthermore, the channels 24a-24d also reduce the severity of alternate shedding of vortices, i.e. a Krmn vortex street, by constraining the movement of the low-pressure zone to between the channels 24a-24d.

[0091] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the vortex suppression device in the form of a different sample probe 30 having an elongate body 32 with, an outer surface defining a longitudinal axis 34, a first end 36, and a second end 38. Between the first and second ends 36, 38 is an internal sampling passage 40 for collecting fluid samples. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 operates in much the same way as the embodiment of FIG. 1. However, the first end 36 of the sample probe includes a flow regulating arrangement 42 for regulating the flow into/out of the sampling passage 40. The flow regulating arrangement 42 is a cylindrical component that is releasably attached to the first end 36 of the sample probe 30 by bolts 48. The flow regulating arrangement 42 also includes channels and openings as previously described in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0092] As can be seen in FIG. 7, the flow regulating arrangement 42 comprises an internal passage 50 which aligns and fluidly communicates with the sampling passage 40. The internal passage 50 has an opening in which a filter 44, in the form of a perforated disc, is located. The filter 44 acts to prevent particles over a certain size from entering the internal passage 50. Inside the internal passage 50 is a valve arrangement 46 which comprises a poppet valve body 52 that is biased to rest on an annular valve seat 56 by a helical spring 54. The valve arrangement 46 regulates flow into/out of the sampling passage 40.

[0093] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the vortex suppression device in the form of a sample probe 100 having a cylindrical shaped elongate body 102 with an outer surface defining a longitudinal axis 104.

[0094] When the sample probe 100 is positioned in a fluid flow, the outer surface has an elongate leading section and an elongate trailing section in relation to a direction of fluid flow. The elongate body 102 has channels, in the form of circumferential grooves 106 that follow a sinusoidal path around the outer surface of the elongate body 102, which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis 104 of the elongate body 102 from the elongate leading section to the elongate trailing section of the elongate body 102. The grooves 106 are illustrated in alternating colours, blue and red. These colours are merely to distinguish one groove from the grooves that are adjacent to it. The grooves 106 reduce vortex induced vibration by conducting high velocity fluid flow from the leading section to the trailing section of the elongate body 102. The high velocity fluid at the trailing section reduces static pressure downstream of the elongate body 102. Reducing the static pressure assists in preventing the formation of an adverse pressure gradient. This reduces the amount of boundary layer flow separation, which in turn, disrupts the formation of vortices.

[0095] As can be appreciated, the sample probe 100 functions in the same manner as sample probes 10 and 30. However, unlike the sample probes 10 or 30, the sample probe 100 can be oriented at any angle, provided the fluid flow is travelling in a direction transversely to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 102, without reducing its effectiveness at disrupting vortices. This is because the grooves 106 extend around the outer surface of the elongate body 102 rather than through the elongate body 102.

[0096] A further advantage of the sample probe 100, is that the circumferential grooves 106 transfer high velocity flow to the trailing section with greater efficiency than the channels/openings of sample probes 10 and 30. In other words, the high velocity flow is conducted to the tailing section with fewer and less severe directional changes. Severe directional changes should be avoided as they can result in energy losses. Because of this, the sample probe 100 can be made smaller than the sample probes 10 or 30, whilst providing the same vortex suppression capability. Reducing the size of the sample probe reduces materials and manufacturing costs.

[0097] In the embodiments previously discussed the elongate body 12, 32, 102 is shown to be cylindrical shaped. However, it is envisaged that elongate bodies of other shapes are within the scope of the present technology.

[0098] The sample probes 10, 30, 100 can be made from any suitable material, preferably a corrosion resistant material, such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, brass . . . etc.

[0099] Whilst a number of specific embodiments have been described, it should be appreciated that the device may be embodied in many other forms. The present technology has been described in the context of a sample probe, however, the present technology should not be considered limited to this use. This present technology is suitable for suppressing vortices produced as a result of an instrument being inserted into a flow of fluid. The present technology is therefore suitable for other applications, for example flow meters, injection quills, siphons, corrosion coupon holders and thermowells.

[0100] In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise and variations such as comprises or comprising are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and method as disclosed herein.

[0101] Further patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of, or claiming priority from, the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by use of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future applications. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so is to further define or re-define the present technology or technologies.

[0102] While embodiments of the vortex suppression device have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present technology. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present technology, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present technology. For example, any suitable sturdy material may be used instead of the above-described.

[0103] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the present technology. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the present technology to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the present technology.

KEY

[0104] 10: sample probe without regulation means [0105] 12: elongate body [0106] 14: longitudinal axis [0107] 16: first end [0108] 18: second end [0109] 20: sampling passage [0110] 22: aperture [0111] 24a-d: channel [0112] 26a, 26b: opening [0113] 28: centerline [0114] 30: sample probe with regulation means [0115] 32: elongate body [0116] 34: longitudinal axis [0117] 36: first end [0118] 38: second end [0119] 40: sampling passage [0120] 42: regulating arrangement [0121] 44: filter [0122] 46: valve arrangement [0123] 48: bolts [0124] 50: internal passage [0125] 52: valve body [0126] 54: spring [0127] 56: seat [0128] 100: vortex suppression device [0129] 102: elongate body [0130] 104: longitudinal axis [0131] 106: grooves [0132] 108: sampling passage