Abstract: An expandable baffle for sealing a cavity of an automobile is provided. The baffle includes a thermally expandable sealing material which has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of the automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., the paint bake stage). The inventive baffle further includes a support for the sealing material which maintains the material at the desired location within the cavity until thermal expansion. The support is formed of a material having a melting point higher than the thermal expansion temperature of the sealing material. In one embodiment, the support comprises a pair of solid, spaced-apart sidewalls that “bow” upon expansion of the sealing material. In an alternate embodiment, the sidewalls include a plurality of openings formed therein through which the sealing material flows during thermal expansion. The inventive baffles are useful for providing noise attenuation and for sealing the cavity from moisture and contaminants while providing a limited degree of structural reinforcement.

Abstract: A baffle (12) may conform to and be magnetically coupled to a body having a ferromagnetic component in proximity to the baffle. The baffle (12) includes a first layer (22) of a flexible thermally expansible baffle material (24) which expands when subjected to an elevated temperature, and a second layer (26) of a flexible magnetic material (28). The baffle (12) may thereby be flexed to conform to an irregular of curved surface. In addition, the baffle (12) may be preformed to provide an irregular or arcuate portion to conform to the body on which it is placed. The magnetic attachement facilitates attachment and removal without the need to provide holes in the body, and upon heating and expansion of the baffle (12), the baffle material (24) expands to fill cavities and adhere to the inside wall surface of the body on which it is received.

Abstract: The present paper describes the prediction of hydrodynamic damping due to baffles in a fluid-filled rectangular tank or reservoir undergoing horizontal oscillations. The estimation of hydrodynamic damping involves an assessment of the total energy in the fluid associated with sloshing motions and the average rate of energy dissipation due to flow separation around the baffles. Experimental measurements of hydrodynamic damping have been carried out to validate the theoretical model and to investigate the effectiveness of various baffle configurations. Recommendations are made regarding the assessment of hydrodynamic damping in earthquake engineering applications.Key words: baffles, hydrodynamic damping, sloshing, tanks.

Abstract: An air in-line sensor (10) for detecting air bubbles in a therapeutic solution flowing through a tube (12) utilizes a unitary type sensor having a channel (16) for receiving the tube (12). The channel (16) has a tube loading section (18). A signal emitting member (20) is positioned on one side of the tube (12) and a signal receiving member (22) is positioned on an opposite side of the tube (12). A first air baffle (24) is positioned between the signal emitting (20) and signal receiving members (22).

Abstract: A small portable steam generating system comprised of an elongate cylindrical cylinder having a turbulent baffle circulation system. The steam generator includes a plurality of baffles, having alternating ports spaced along the length of the cylinder. The baffles have ports offset at 180° respectively to each other to provide turbulent flow that speeds up and slows down as it passes through the ports. The series of baffles in the elongate cylinder are mounted around a centrally located heater. The surfaces and ports in the baffles, positioned along the elongate cylinder and heater body, form a diffused turbulent flow of variable length and time as it passes from an input to an output. The steam generating system described herein is fitted with a steam water droplet separation system plus a high pressure steam superheater fitted to an exit tube and a non-conductive high temperature tube for transporting super-heated steam to a surface cleaning applicator. The system also includes a practical application for steam cleaning, scrubbing, vacuuming debris and sanitizing. The steam generator is mounted in a compact portable housing connected to an applicator that has steam outlet parts, a vacuuming manifold; sanitizing UV lamps and brushes for simultaneously scrubbing a surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A combustor baffle includes an outer tube with external threads and a heat shield at opposite ends thereof. An inner tube is disposed inside the outer tube in a unitary assembly therewith. The outer tube is retained in a combustor dome by a retention nut, and the inner tube supports an air swirler with a brazed joint therewith. The brazed joint permits sacrifice of the baffle during disassembly for access to the threaded joint for final disassembly without damage to the dome or air swirler.

Abstract: An improved air-cooling system for high performance, high density electronic equipment comprises, in one embodiment, a single fan having a radial impeller, a baffle having an inlet portion to efficiently direct air into the fan intake, and a two-tiered outlet plenum to direct one airflow specifically at the highest heat-generating components and another airflow at all components The air-cooling system is designed to provide maximum cooling for a low-height, high heat-generating electronics module such as a server By using only a single fan that is matched to the low resistance airflow characteristics of the baffle, the air-cooling system offers significant advantages over multi-fan systems Also described are a computer server and methods of making heat-dissipation equipment

Abstract: Trailing vortices behind rotating impeller blades play crucial role in determining gas accumulation behind them. The gas accumulation behind blades affects the pumping and power dissipation capacity of the impeller and thus significantly affects the performance of gas–liquid stirred reactors. Understanding fluid dynamic characteristics of these trailing vortices and capability to computationally simulate these vortices is, therefore, essential for reliable design and scale-up of stirred reactors. In this paper, we have used particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique and CFD model based on computational snapshot approach for systematically studying influence of gas flow rate on structure of trailing vortices behind blades of a Rushton turbine. PIV measurements were carried out in a standard, fully baffled stirred vessel (H/T= 1) with a flat bottom. Vessel diameter was 0.4 m. A six bladed standard Rushton turbine was placed at one third of liquid height with a ring sparger. Four baffles of 1/10 T width were placed at equal spacing. Tap water was used as a medium in the vessel. Measurements were carried out at five different gas flow rates to vary the dimensionless gas flow number in the range of 0.01 to 0.06. Both, angle resolved and angle averaged flow fields near the impeller blades were measured. The structure of trailing vortices in presence of gas was studied in detail. A Eulerian–Eulerian, two fluid model was used to simulate dispersed gas–liquid flow in stirred vessel. A computational snapshot approach was used to simulate impeller rotation. The computational model was implemented using the commercial CFD code, FLUENT (of Fluent Inc., USA) with the help of user defined subroutines. The computational model was used to simulate flow in stirred vessel operating under conditions used in the experiments. The results of this study will have important implications for extending the applicability of CFD models for simulating multiphase stirred reactors.

Abstract: It is highly desirable to be able to interrogate in 3-D the whole fluid inside a typical stirred vessel, especially when used as a chemical reactor. Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) can scan the fluid with a spatial discrimination of the order of O(103) voxels with video frame rate acquisition speeds. Some new augmented-reality results are presented for a 2.3m3 pilot scale vessel detecting miscible fluid mixing of a brine tracer pulse and solid-liquid mixing. The images are created by solid- body iso-surfaces between which are variable opacity layers. Extra augmentation can be achieved by the use of colour, giving a 5-D representation of the mixing process. For miscible mixing, the geometry and spatial patterns clearly highlight the effect of injection position on mixing rates. For the solid-fluid mixing, it is possible to visualise in 5-D the way solid resides on the vessel base behind baffles as well as indicate the height to which solids are effectively suspended. The dynamics of mixing after a charge of solids can also be captured and visualised using augmented-reality. The facility to envisage mixing information in up to 5-D offers new possibilities for control action linked to spatial distributions of phases and components.

Abstract: Droplet and particle-size distribution of inverse phase suspension polymerization of acrylamide was studied in an oscillatory baffled reactor (OBR). A discretized population balance model developed estimates the coalescence droplet rate and the type of droplet interactions contributing to the coalescence process in the system. In an OBR, fluid mixing is achieved by eddies generated when a set of prespecified orifice baffles moves periodically through liquid. These vortices can be controlled by a combination of geometrical and operational parameters, such as orifice diameter, baffle spacing, oscillation frequency, and oscillation amplitude. This type of mixing, combining with a close-to-constant level of turbulence intensity in the reactor, has led to a high degree of controllability and repeatability for both droplet and particle size, and a fine particle level significantly lower than a conventional stirred-tank reactor. Generic correlation is established linking the final bead size and Sauter mean droplet size with power dissipation.

Abstract: Hydraulic flocculators are principally characterized by their volume (which determines the time of flocculation) and the water level difference between inlet and outlet (which determines the average energy dissipation). Within these constraints, however, the designer has many degrees of freedom, such as the average water depth, the number and spacing of baffles, the length of the gap at the baffle ends, and the degree to which adjoining baffles overlap. In an earlier paper (Haarhoff 1998), these variables were systematically reduced to a number of critical ratios, and a comprehensive mathematical framework was presented whereby hydraulic flocculators can be designed once these ratios are fixed. In this paper, these ratios are further investigated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to find their optimal values. The validity of CFD modelling is first verified by comparing experimentally measured velocities in two flocculators against modelled velocities for similar hydraulic conditions. CFD is then used to systematically optimize the three critical design ratios for flocculator design. The optimal ratios are considered to be those that cause the least deviation from the average G -value; addressing the concern that there may be large G -value differences at different points in the flocculator.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner replenishing container constituted so that internal volume may be effective, residual toner finally left after discharge may be small in quantity, and coarse particles may not be formed, made endurable to repetitive use, easily assembled/disassembled and realizing the reduction of cost and the reduction of recycling cost. SOLUTION: This toner replenishing container is constituted of a container main body 1 inside which toner is stored and which has an aperture part 2a for discharging the toner, a sealing member for sealing to freely open/close an aperture part 1a, and a baffle 3 provided inside the main body 1. The baffle 3 is continuously provided to be extended in the direction of the axis of rotation in the main body 1, and has an inclined surface 3a being an inclined surface inclined to the axis of rotation and continuously provided to be extended in the direction of the axis of rotation and carrying the toner in the direction of the axis of the rotation 1g, and a connection surface 3b being a surface extended from the surface 3a, provided to reach the inner surface of the main body 1 and continuously provided to be extended in the direction of the axis of rotation and supplying the toner to the surface 3a.

Abstract: There is provided a baffle for suppressing slosh in a tank adapted for containing fluids, and a tank for incorporating same. The baffle includes an attachment portion adapted to connect the baffle to an inner sidewall of the tank, and a baffle body extending from the attachment portion and adapted to protrude into the tank. A smoothly curved corrugation is provided for operably connecting the attachment portion and the baffle body. The baffle body can also include a plurality of ribs extending from a proximal edge of each baffle to a distal edge. A plurality of baffles are operably attached at different peripheral locations on an inner sidewall of the tank of the present invention in order to reduce slosh.

Abstract: In this article, the flow at the wall of a stirred tank is compared with turbulent wall jet behavior. Agreement is shown to be very good. For all three axial impellers studied, the wall jet is three dimensional along the wall and baffle of the tank. The expansion of the jet is linear, and the maximum velocity decays with 1/z, where z is the dimensionless axial distance. These wall-jet characteristics help further the fundamental understanding and modeling of the bulk flow in a stirred tank and provide meaningful test data for CFD validation.

Abstract: A silencer for connection to the air intake of a machine such as a turbocharger compressor. The silencer comprises a housing containing a plurality of axially spaced annular noise attenuating baffles. Each baffle has an outer circumference and an inner circumference defining a central aperture, the central apertures of each baffle collectively defining an axial outlet flow passage to an outlet aperture. The baffles define a series of axially spaced generally annular partial flow passages such that air flowing through the silencer is initially split and then merges into the axial outlet passage. Each of the annular flow passages curves radially inwards from its outer to its inner circumference in a direction towards the axial. Additionally, or alternatively, the dimensions of the annular partial flow passages vary so that the velocity of air flow through the passages is greater for passages closer to the axial outlet aperture.

Abstract: Operating conditions (impeller speed and power requirement) to ‘just draw down’ light particles in a stirred tank were determined. The effects of impeller type, submergence and number of baffles were investigated. Visual observations revealed two mechanisms of draw down; through recirculation loops and through vortices. The latter occurred mainly when the number of baffles decreased from the standard 4 to 2 or 1, and/or when the impeller was mounted close to the liquid surface. Choosing a high impeller submergence in a fully baffled vessel ensured a more stable operation as torque and flow instabilities due to vortex formation were avoided. This configuration was also found to be more energy efficient. Additionally, it can be advantageous when gas/vapour entrainment from the headspace is undesirable and allows varying liquid level over a larger range in industrial practice. An axial or a mixed flow downward pumping impeller required less power but higher speeds to draw down compared to a radial one.

Abstract: This paper contains the results of a design optimization study performed on the steady-casting operation of the Columbus Stainless single-strand stainless steel caster tundish. Residence Time Distribution (RTD) data such as minimum residence time (or plug flow volume fraction) and dead volume are used as objective functions in the mathematical optimization process. Water is used in the first two case studies as modeling fluid to allow for comparison with water model results. Liquid steel is used in the last case study to investigate the effect of temperature and buoyancy on the resulting flow patterns and the optimum design. Two separate tundish configurations are considered. The first has one dam and one weir, while the second comprises a baffle with angled holes and an impact pad. Significant improvements of up to 34% in minimum residence time are obtained for the second configuration.

Abstract: In this paper, an iterative procedure for sizing shell-and-tube heat exchangers according to prescribed pressure drop is shown, then the thermo-hydraulic calculation and the geometric optimization for shell and tube heat exchangers on the basis of CFD technique have been carried out. Modeling of shell and tube heat exchangers for design and performance evaluation is now an established technique used in industry. In this paper, a numerical study of three-dimensional fluid flow and heat transfer in a shell and tube model heat exchanger is described. The baffle and tube bundle was modeled by the 'porous media' concept. Three turbulent models were used for the flow processes. The velocity and temperature distributions as well as the total heat transfer rate were calculated. The calculations were carried out using Phoenics Version 3.3 code. .

Abstract: A baffle unit for operative cross mounting within a liquid fuel tank of an automotive vehicle to attenuate wave action of the liquid fuel within the tank during vehicle operation and thereby prevent or reduce the impact of such fluid motion against the wall of the tank and thereby eliminate or reduce harshness, vibration and noise. The baffle unit comprises a frame with latticed work defining open side faces encapsulating a mat of fiberglass filaments caged therein and having a porosity for the passage of waves of liquid fuel therethrough to attenuate the waves while trapping particles of fuel-contaminating foreign matter The frame is supported for telescoping action in a carrier. Helical end springs urge the frame to an outer position against the interior walls of the tank after the unit is compressed to collapse the unit to allow its easy insertion into the tank. The baffle unit can readily be used as an additional fluid filter by the hydraulic connection of the interior of the frame member with the intake of the fluid pump operatively mounted within the tank.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube, having at least one twisted baffle therein, each of said twisted baffles extends in the inside of the heat exchanger tube along the axis thereof, said twisted baffles extends as long as at least a part of the entire length of said heat exchanger tube, and said twisted baffles are integrated with the inner surface of said heat exchanger tube. The twisted angle of said twisted baffles is between 100° to 360°. The ratio between the axial length of said heat exchanger tube with the twisted angle 180° of said twisted baffles and the internal diameter of said heat exchanger tube is 2 to 3. The thickness of said twisted baffles is approximated to that of said heat exchanger tube; in every cross section of said heat exchanger tube, the transition zone from the surface of said twisted baffles to the surface of said heat exchanger tube, and vice versa, is in the shape of a concave circular arc. The present invention also relates to a cracking furnace tube, which uses at least one said heat exchanger tube according to the present invention, any two of said heat exchanger tubes are separated from each other in at least one section of the radiation heating furnace tube, the distance between the two adjacent said heat exchanger tubes is at least 5 pitches.

Abstract: A rollable ridge vent includes an elongated panel having a pair of opposite ends and a pair of opposite sides, a plurality of first baffles depending from the panel and arranged to form a pair of first rows adjacent the sides of the panel, a plurality of second baffles depending from the panel and arranged to form a pair of second rows adjacent and at least partially overlapping the first baffles, with the first and second baffles being spaced from one another to provide a plurality of drainage spaces therebetween, a plurality of third baffles depending from the panel that are arranged in a sinusoidal pattern and disposed between the second rows of second baffles, and in which the ridge vent further includes a seal member at each end of the panel, with a generally triangular dowel formed in one of the seal members and a lug having a generally triangular socket with a constricted throat formed in the opposite seal member, the dowels and sockets being co-operable with corresponding dowels and sockets formed on similar ridge vent members A rollable ridge vent system is also disclosed wherein a plurality of ridge vent members are mounted over an opening formed in a peak of a roof A method of installing a ridge vent system over an opening formed in a roof is further disclosed

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle contains a heat exchanger with a heat-exchanger tube that features a profiled central channel and outer channels grouped around the central channel. This heat-exchanger tube is suitable for the construction of counterflow heat exchangers. For this purpose, the heat-exchanger tube is to be cut to corresponding lengths and provided with corresponding end pieces. Such heat exchangers have proven to be light, pressure resistant, and effective.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank, a combustion chamber below the tank and communicating with the flue tube, and a flue system. The flue system includes a flue tube, and a cruciform fin metallurgically bonded to the flue tube wall and dividing the flue tube into four flue chambers extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flue tube. The flue system also includes a removable baffle hanging in each flue chamber. The baffles include adjustable turbulation surfaces to control the quality of combustion in the water heater.

Abstract: The utility model provides a pipeline vibration and fluid pressure pulse attenuator. The device is provided with two connection tubes, and baffle plates are arranged on the connection tubes. The point of the baffle plate approaching outer margin is provided with a cylindrical elastic body and two connection tubes; two baffle plates and the cylinder elastic body can form a sealing space. The external side of the outer margin of the baffle plate is provided with a rigid shell body. An annular gap for filling elastic bodies is arranged among the baffle plates and the rigid shell body. The annular space formed from the baffle plates, the cylinder elastic body, and the shell body is filled with elastic layers. The pipeline vibration is absorbed by two elastic bodies and is blocked by two elastic bodies in the annular gap. The fluid pressure pulse is absorbed by two elastic bodies to reach the goal that one device has two attenuation functions.

Abstract: The CO 2 detector has a bottom housing attached to a top housing The bottom housing contains a rotatable port engageable to an intubation tube and multiple parallel integral filter support ridges on a top surface of a floor A filter pad overlies the integral filter support ridges and a baffle overlies the filter pad The baffle has multiple parallel filter support ridges on a bottom surface cooperating with the filter support ridges integral with the bottom housing to maintain the filter pad in position The baffle has an air flow guide on a top surface and air passages The top housing has a port connected to a CPR bag and a clear plastic disc overlying a CO 2 calorimetric indicator paper The colorimetric indicator paper is shown through a clear plastic cover after removing backing on the indicator paper through a sealable slot

Abstract: A configurable baffle to configure fluid flow through a nozzle. To improve the quality and accuracy of processing apparatus used in the cutting, welding, and heat treating of materials, a self-aligning nozzle includes a configurable baffle. This configurable baffle can be a metallic grid (e.g., a screen) or other type of membrane (e.g., porous, permeable, etc.). During its initial use in the processing apparatus, this configurable baffle is tailored with an energy beam, such as a laser beam or plasma jet, to create an optimal fluid flow velocity profile. When the configurable baffle deteriorates from use, it is easily replaced by another baffle or by using an in situ replacement mechanism. To ensure proper alignment between the nozzle and the energy beam, mating contoured surfaces are used among adjacent components. Threaded surfaces can also be employed to assist in achieving the proper coaxial alignment.