Flow measurement system

CFD-supported development of a pressure-based airflow measuring element.

Organization: Frapol
Discipline: Engineering

The challenge

Airflow regulators need a stable flow coefficient over their measurement range while limiting the pressure loss introduced by the measuring element.

Contribution

The work combined pressure-port design, CFD analysis and prototype testing for a VAV flow measurement system.

Approach

Pressure ports were positioned using a log-linear traverse method referenced to ISO 3966:2008. Prototypes were evaluated over 2–20 m/s and after valves, single and double bends, and different straight duct lengths.

Results

The original project reports a 5% improvement in measurement accuracy and a 32% reduction in pressure drop. Testing examined performance under disturbed as well as straight-duct flow conditions.