GB683401A - Improvements in or relating to the damping of pulsations in fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

683,401. Regulating fluid flow. BRITISH OXYGEN CO., Ltd., and WATTS, S. S. Nov. 15, 1950 [Nov. 17, 1949], No. 29426/49. Class 135. A method of damping pulsations in a stream of fluid flowing in a pipe line consists in dividing the stream into a number of tributaries each constrained to follow a path diverging symmetrically from the direction of flow of the main stream such that the fluid forming each tributary expands continuously during its passage along the path and subsequently reuniting the tributaries to flow in the direction of the main stream, the dimensions of the individual tributaries being such that the pulsations therein are displaced relative to one another and so tend to cancel one another when the tributaries are reunited. The apparatus for carrying out the above method comprises a chamber 1 of greater diameter than the pipe line 2 in which it is inserted. The flow from the inlet 3 is divided by a number of baffle plates 5 mounted on bolts 6 and separated by spacers 11. All the plates except the plate 10 furthest from the inlet are apertured and the apertures decrease in size away from the inlet. The spacers 11 may be formed as radial fins to prevent swirl. Where swirl is desirable the spacers 11 are of spiral form. The annular space 8 between the wall of the chamber 1 and the plates increases progressively from the inlet. This is done by progressively decreasing the diameter of the plates as shown, or by using plates all of the same diameter and making the wall of the chamber 1 of conical shape. Pulsations in the reunited stream are further reduced by an assembly of baffle plates 12 similar to the plates 5 in front of the outlet 4.