CFD-Aided Investigation of Sound Path Position and Orientation for a Dual-Path Ultrasonic Flowmeter With Square Pipe

This paper discusses the issues with a dual-path ultrasonic flowmeter with square-shaped pipe using CFD simulations, which include the sound path position, installation orientation, and effect of straight pipe length on the performance of the meter. By analyzing the flow field inside a single-elbow pipeline and T-shaped pipeline, the correction factor for the dual-path square-shaped ultrasonic flowmeter with respect to the change of Reynolds number is calculated. The optimal sound path position and orientation are investigated. Simulation results indicate that the optimal sound path position is located at the position of 0.65 times the half side length of square pipe cross-section. The upstream straight pipe length requirements for a single-elbow pipeline and a T-shaped pipeline are determined, which are at least 20-D and 50-D, respectively. Preliminary experiments are carried out and validate the simulations. The results are helpful for the design and practical applications of square-shaped ultrasonic flowmeter.