Reducers

[CM06]

what difference does concentric versus eccentric reducers have on the flow profile through each? I have been told that eccentric reducers create a higher turbulent flow. I can understand why this is so because of the geometry but I haven't been able to find any documentation supporting this. and also how much more of an effect eccentrics have on turbulence versus concentrics.

I am looking at replacing some pipe spools with eccentric reducers to concentric reducers because they are less turbulent. I was wondering how much of effect this really amounts to and therefore if the modifications to spools are worth spending the cash.

I appreciate any help...

Rgds,
C

 

[BigInch]

Haven't you ever heard, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Seriously, I can't imagine an industrial situation where either would make any measureable difference to turbulence.

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know, its what we know for sure" - Mark Twain

 

[CM06]

well that is the approach that I am hoping to take... if it ain't broke don't fix it...

I have been in consultation with a valve vendor for a particular type of valve that reduces emulsion of produced water in our crude on the separation train of our facility. The vendor's recommendation was to change out the existing ecc reducers to con reducers to promote less turbulence, therefore less emulsion, to help with the separation of our crude.

we have to make piping mods anyways because the new valves we are proposing have different inline dims but I was hoping to reduce the cost of these piping mods by keeping the ecc reducers. So I was wondering how much benefit the change in the reducers actually helps in reducing turbulence/emulsion???

To me, I think the flow in the line (& at valve inlet) is likely turbulent anyways so how can changing to con reducers aid that much to warrant the change... my gut says it ain't worth it but I was hoping there was something to confirm this for me - either way. maybe the vendor is just stating this in case his valves don't work like they should and we don't change the reducers, he can place the blame on that....

C

 

[BigInch]

If you have anything but a full port, full open gate or ball valve in there, why worry about turbulence from a reducer? Equivalent lengths for valves are at least an order of magnitude greater than reducers. Changing out the reducers would bring up another problem. What would you do about the ells?

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know, its what we know for sure" - Mark Twain

 

[jmw]

Why would he original design have eccentric rather than concentric reducers?
The more usual, marginally less expensive and easier approach would be to use concentric reducers thus that there are eccentric reducers suggests they were deliberately selected for a specific reason which should be understood.
For example, in a horizontal pipe run, there may be a tendency for air to trap in the pipe line or sediment.

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[insult2injury]

Be careful if you are replacing eccentric reducers on pump connections.

I2I