FLUENT Code Analyses for Design Optimization of an Average Bi-directional Flow Tube

Average Bi-directional flow tube was suggested to measure single and two phase flow rate. Its working principle is similar with Pilot tube, however, it makes it possible to eliminate the cooling system which is normally needed to prevent from flashing in the pressure impulse line of Pilot tube when it is used in the depressurization condition. 3-dimensional steady state flow analyses using FLUENT 5.4 code were performed to validate the application of the average bi-directional flow tube in case of water and air flow. In this study, sensitivity studies have been performed to optimize the design features of the average bi-directional flow tube which can be applied for the various experimental conditions. For Re numbers above 1000, the k values are nearly constant regardless of the Re numbers and flow types and calculation results and experimental data coincides quite well. The current FLUENT calculation results suggest that linearity of the k values in various design features of the average BDFT is highly promising, which means that it is quite reasonable to select the typical design of the average BDFT for the convenience of the experimental conditions.