Flow rate improvement on safety fluid transfer couplings for energy sector

该项目的目标是通过Smartflow产品系列中更大尺寸的自密封安全联轴器（干断联轴器）显著提高流体的流速。这将推动Smartflow走向干式断路接头设计和制造的前沿，并为这些断路接头开辟了进一步的潜在应用领域，这些领域以前由于流量降低而无法使用。Smartflow生产一系列工业干断接头，用于石油、化工、电力（包括替代燃料）等行业的流体传输应用。通过设计，联轴器具有一个内部阀门机构，可以在连接或断开连接时自动关闭并防止泄漏。正是这种阀门机构限制了通过联轴器的最大流量，在某些情况下，在流量至关重要的大容量应用中，不允许使用干断联轴器。就其本质而言，从这种类型的联轴器中移除阀门机构是不可能的，但通过进一步的创新和优化设计，我们相信可以实现实质性的流量增加。该项目将重点关注四个关键领域：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以及约束条件。2 .进一步开发CFD模型，测试耦合体和内部机构的迭代设计变化，以优化流体通过联轴器的流动。生产一些优化的原型联轴器。对样机进行物理测试，并与现有设计进行对比分析。我们的合作伙伴是NEL，他们将提供CFD分析和流体环上联轴器的物理测试。NEL在之前的分析项目中有使用Smartflow耦合的经验。

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.