CFD simulation and VR Visualization for industrial applications

Dezhi Zheng, Purdue University

Abstract

The modern refinery and steel industries are facing a tremendous challenge with the rapid increase of the cost of energy due to high demand for production. To be competitive in the period of globalization, it is necessary to upgrade the design of equipment and optimize the operational parameters. Because of the complicated process in the production line of industries, it is impossible to optimize based on direct measurement or observation. Therefore, a compelling, non-intrusive, virtual modeling technique involving Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Virtual Reality (VR) Visualization has been applied to provide cost-effective solutions. Firstly, CFD and VR Visualization have been employed to develop a model for steady, multiphase and non-premixed combustion phenomenon in several refining and steel making processes in this course of this study. By utilizing the multiphase and non-premixed combustion model, the CFD simulation and VR Visualization of a hydrogen reformer furnace provides insight into the optimization of the system design. Secondly, a study of a Venturi scrubber including a steady multiphase model also has been studied by using CFD simulation and VR Visualization. Agreement was observed between the CFD results and the measured data, which validated the effectiveness of the Venturi scrubber study. The parametric studies present the reason of the wear problem and optimized design thus improving the efficiency of the Venturi scrubber. Thirdly, CFD application about correction of reversed orifice plate measuring instrument was also involved in the course of work. Based on the simulation results, flow pattern through the pipeline and pressure drops crossing the orifice plate have been analyzed for both correct and reversed installations and the significant mismeasurement for reversal orifice plate has been discovered. The validated CFD results can offer an efficient way to calculate flow rate in reversal of the orifice.

Degree

M.S.E.

Advisors

Zhou, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Mechanical engineering

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