CFD Assisted Design Optimization of a Flow Distributor for Uniform Fluid Distribution

This study addresses a fundamental issue of distributing a fluid flow into a number of flow channels uniformly. A basic mechanism of flow distribution is accomplished through a channel bifurcation that symmetrically split one flow channel into two downstream channels. Applying the basic mechanism, cascades flow distributions are designed to split one flow into a large number of downstream flows uniformly. Some key parameters decisive to the flow distribution uniformity in such a system have been recognized, and the flow distribution uniformity was studied for several versions of flow distributor designs using CFD analysis. The effect of the key parameters of the flow channel designs to the flow distribution uniformity was investigated. As an example of industrial application, a novel fluid packaging device was proposed and some CFD analysis results for the device were provided. The optimized flow distributor makes a very good uniform flow distribution which will significantly improve the efficiency of fluid packaging. The technology is expected to be of great significance to many industrial devices that require high uniformity of flow distribution.