Hybrid simulation of a segmental orifice plate

In this paper, we present a modified stress-blended eddy simulation (SBES) turbulence model capable of making reliable predictions of disturbed pipe flows and the resulting effects on flow meter measurements demonstrated by simulating a segmental orifice plate and its influence on an ultrasonic meter. To illustrate the differences, the SBES results are compared to those of a standard k-ω RANS model. Typical mesh requirements and solver settings are discussed. Also, a spatially dependent blending function for SBES is introduced. Both simulations are compared to a large number of laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) and ultrasonic clamp-on measurements performed on a gravimetrically traceable flow test facility. The comparison with LDA shows the clear superiority of SBES, where RANS fails due to a massive overestimation of the recirculation zone. Near the orifice, SBES even has an advantage over LDA in predicting the ultrasonic meter performance.