Fluid Flow Bodies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Abstract

The question of the use of vortex flowmeters with different versions of the flow body (TO) under operating conditions on the technological lines of pulp and paper production is considered.
 It is shown that when using different TO in vortex flowmeters, an error occurs in the working range of speeds (flow rates). The observed error arises due to a change in the Strouhal number (Sh) and is associated with the measurement method. In this case, the Strouhal number begins to depend not only on the TO used as a vortex generator, but also on the flow velocity and the concentration of the fibrous suspension. As the main comparative factor for the investigated TOs, the force action on the sensitive element (flexible electrode) located inside the TO was taken.
 The study was carried out in several stages using numerical modeling and experimental design method. According to the results of a numerical study, the dependence of the Strouhal number (Sh) on the flow rate (V) and the concentration of the suspension (c) is presented.
 In a comparative analysis of the deviation of the Strouhal number from the average values, it was revealed that MOT No. 1 has a minimal effect on the concentration of the suspension in the working range of flow rates (± 0.5%). This circumstance makes it possible to verify and test flow meters with such maintenance in conventional pouring installations.
 The analysis of the maintenance with respect to the signal-to-noise ratio shows that the purest signal is generated by the cylindrical maintenance (maintenance No. 3), and maintenance No. 2 and No. 1 have noticeably large noise. The differences are explained by the absence on the surface of a cylindrical TO of extra protrusions, faces, which leads to a smoother flow of a suspension around its surface, as well as to a decrease in internal spurious noise.