Analysis of a Process-Fluid-Flow Network by Electrical Analogy

• Published in: Journal of fluids engineering 1957-11, Vol.79, p.1957-1962
• Main Authors: Kayan, C. F, Balmford, J. A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0098-2202; 1528-901X
• DOI: 10.1115/1.4013542

In a process-fluid-flow network of numerous interconnected branches of different proportions, the determination of the flow distribution by calculation is difficult because of the pressure-drop versus flow-rate characteristics of each individual component of the complex. Not only does the pressure drop vary with the effective pipe dimensions and surface condition, for a given fluid, but also markedly with the flow rate, and usually, in turbulent flow, with flow rate modified by some exponent with value on the order of 2.0. The concept of flow “resistance,” to represent opposition to fluid flow, is a useful tool. The pressure drop in any process branch line may be considered as proportional to the product of the flow rate and the pipeline resistance, and for turbulent flow the resistance itself may be considered a function of the flow rate. Thus the flow characteristics of a network may be simulated by electrical analogy, with the electrical resistance in each branch simultaneously adjusted to some desired function of the electrical current. Voltage and current determinations at given points are representative of the corresponding fluid pressure and flow rates. An illustrative process-plant network with numerous branches and discharge points is analyzed, with predictions of flow distributions and pressures.