Date of Award:
5-2021
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Committee Chair(s)
Zachary B. Sharp
Committee
Zachary B. Sharp
Committee
Michael C. Johnson
Committee
Som Dutta
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate if computer simulations could be used to accurately predict gas expansion in differential pressure flow meters. Differential pressure flow meters are used to measure the flow rate of pressurized liquids and gases through pipes. Computer simulations of liquid and gas flows were conducted for three distinct differential pressure flow meter geometries: Classical Venturis, Stand Concentric orifice plates, and wedge meters.
Gas flows were modeled as dry air using the assumption of a perfect gas. Expansion effects were modeled using the ideal gas law. Computer simulations of Classical Venturi and Standard Concentric orifice plates predicted gas expansion that matched existing laboratory data with remarkable accuracy. This indicates the computer simulation method, known as computational fluid dynamics, is an appropriate tool for determining gas expansion in differential pressure flow meters. Computer simulations of wedge meters were then conducted using the same modeling approach and produced reasonable gas expansion factor values.
Checksum
ead0af9ff9d3a0fc98490b4bc1b4112f
Recommended Citation
Campana, Patrick L., "Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics to Determine Gas Expansion Factors of Differential Pressure Flow Meters" (2021). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 8074.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/8074
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