Two flow lines (pipes) meging into one

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the merging of two flow lines, one carrying acid and the other water, into a third line intended to carry a specific mixture of these fluids. Participants explore different options for achieving the desired mixture, considering economic factors and the reliability of flow measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes three options for achieving the desired mixture: using two flow meters and valves, using two pressure gauges and valves, or using one pressure gauge and one flow meter with valves.
  • Another participant questions the consistency of the supply pressure to each flow line, suggesting that variations could affect the mixture.
  • A different participant argues that using two flow meters is necessary to ensure the correct mixture, highlighting the risks of relying solely on valves without flow meters.
  • It is suggested that if supply pressures are equal, a fourth option could involve using flow orifices with different ratings to control the mixture ratio.
  • The initial poster acknowledges the fourth option and expresses intent to weigh it against the original options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of the proposed options, particularly regarding the necessity of flow meters versus pressure gauges. There is no consensus on the best approach, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of consistent supply pressures and the quality requirements of the final mixture, indicating that these factors may influence the choice of mixing method.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in fluid dynamics, chemical engineering, or process control may find this discussion relevant, particularly those interested in mixing processes and flow measurement techniques.

smims
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I got two flow lines at 90 degree angle, Line A carrying acid and line B carrying water, each with 1 inch diameter, merging at point P. The third line C beginning at point P, also 1" diameter, should carry 90% water and 10% acid. I came up with option 1 but not sure how to achieve the same using the Option 2 or 3.

Option (1) Using two flow meters and two valves. Install two manual valves, one on A line, and another on C line. Install two flow-meters such that each line has one flow-meter but at the upstream of these valves. Now fully open the valve on B line, check the flow-meter reading, and calculate 10% of this flow. Open the valve on A line slowly until the flow-meter reads 10%. (Of course I could do the same on B line).

Option (2) Using two pressure gauges and two manual valves.
Option (3) Using one pressure gauge and one flow meter with two manual valves.

What's the most economic option considering the cost of a pressure gauge being $100 and flow meter being $2000, and the flow resistance being insignificant? Pls explain the procedure. Thanks.
 
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How consistent is the supply pressure to each of the two supply flow lines?
 
Under option 1 opening valve A will likely affect the flow going through valve B.
 
Using two flow meters is the only way you can be assured of setting the correct mixture; but, even then unless you have very close control on the inlet pressures of both feed lines, and one valve on one line you will still be at risk of varying the mixture percentage if there is any change in the supply pressure of either line unless you have continuous flow rate monitoring and control.

Trying to adjust your mixture using only valves without flow meters will not work because, apart of measuring the quality of the third line discharge while making the adjustments, you have no way of determining when you have attained the correct valve(s) position.

On the other hand if you can be absolutely assured of continuous equal supply pressures on both lines then you have a fourth option of placing a flow orifice in the discharge of each line with the acid line orifice having flow rating 10% of that of the of the water line orifice.

The ultimate factor in your selection of how you control your mixing is the quality requirements of your finished mixture. If a high quality product consistency is required then the only real solution to your problem is an automated chemical mixing valve.
 
JBA said:
On the other hand if you can be absolutely assured of continuous equal supply pressures on both lines then you have a fourth option of placing a flow orifice in the discharge of each line with the acid line orifice having flow rating 10% of that of the of the water line orifice.

Of course. The forth option didn't cross my mind. I would now weigh my options between this and the original one. Thanks a lot.
 

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