Hybrid method for researching pulsating flows in pipes exemplified with orifice application

Abstract

This paper presents a measurement process based on a test rig for investigating pulsating flow in pipes, with the possibility of changing several key parameters: temperature, closed end nozzle diameter, mass flow rate and pulsation frequencies or orifice plate rate. The main flow parameters needed to evaluate temperature, pressure and mass flow were measured at three control sections along the tested pipe. The measurement process was based on the LabView environment. The transient parameters were processed using Matlab scripts supported with a Graphic User Interface to make the proposed procedure more legible. FFT procedures were used to estimate transient flow parameters. The research potential of the presented method is exemplified in a study of the influence of orifice plate dimensions on the dynamic parameters of the tested pipe. The influence of the estimated parameters on amplitude-frequency characteristics is shown using 3D maps. The research process was significantly improved due to the synergy effects of using a hybrid of Labview and Matlab software together.