Flow rate improvement on safety fluid transfer couplings for energy sector

该项目的目标是在SmartFlow的产品范围内显著提高通过较大尺寸的自密封安全联接器(干式断开联接器)的流体流量。这将推动SmartFlow走在干式联轴器设计和制造的前沿，并为这些联轴器开辟更多的潜在应用领域，此前流量降低使其无法使用。SmartFlow制造一系列工业干式联轴器，用于石油、化学品和包括替代燃料在内的电力等行业的流体传输应用。根据设计，联轴器有一个内部阀门机构，当连接建立或断开时，该机构自动关闭并防止泄漏。正是这种阀门机构通过联轴器限制了最大流量，在某些情况下，在流量至上的大型大流量应用中不能使用干式断路器。根据其本质，不可能从这种类型的联轴器中移除阀门机构，但随着设计的进一步创新和优化，我们相信可以实现实质性的流量增加。本项目将专注于四个关键领域：1.使用专家计算机化流体动力学(CFD)建模来了解现有联轴器的流量和压力特性和限制条件。进一步开发CFD模型，测试联轴器本体和内部机构的迭代设计变化，以优化联轴器内的流体流动。生产了一批优化后的样机联轴器。原型的物理测试和对现有设计的比较分析。我们的项目合作伙伴是NEL，他们将提供流道上的联轴器的CFD分析和物理测试。NEL在以前的分析项目中对SmartFlow的联轴器有经验。

The goal of this project is to significantly improve the flow rate of fluid through the larger sized self sealing safety couplings (Dry Break Couplings) within Smartflow's product range. This will propel Smartflow to the forefront of dry break coupling design and manufacture and open up further potential applications for these couplings where reduced flow rate has previously precluded their use.Smartflow manufacture a range of industrial dry break couplings used for fluid transfer applications within sectors such as oil, chemicals, and power including alternative fuels. By design, the couplings have an internal valve mechanism that automatically closes and prevents spillage when making or breaking a connection. It is this valve mechanism that limits the maximum flow rates through the coupling and in some cases precludes the use of a dry break couplings for larger high volume applications where flow rate is paramount.By their very nature, it is impossible to remove the valve mechanism from this type of coupling but with further innovation and optimisation of design we believe that substantive flow rate increases can be achieved.This project will focus on four key areas:1. Using expert Computerised Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modelling to understand the flow and pressure characteristics and constraints of the existing couplings.2. Further development the CFD models to test iterative design changes of both the coupling body and internal mechanisms to optimise the flow of fluid through the coupling.3. Production of a number of optimised prototype couplings.4. Physical testing of the prototypes and comparative analysis to the existing designs.Our partner for the project are NEL who will provide the CFD analysis and the physical testing of the couplings on their flow loop. NEL have experience with Smartflow's couplings from previous analysis projects.