Flow characteristics analysis and application research of multi-branch piping

Abstract This study examines the flow characteristics of multi-branch piping and provides production guidance for tobacco-specific ventilation rate standard rods (VRSRs), focusing on VRSRs within a multi-branch pipeline structure as the research subject. The present work analyses the flow resistance, and flow distribution on the influence of each piping section volume flow. By adopting the iterative method to appropriately construct the mathematical model of the VRSR, an effective technique is developed for thoroughly examining specific VRSRs. The performance of these customized VRSRs is then methodically assessed through repeatability and stability tests, and their suitability is further analyzed by employing five types of ventilation rate test equipment. The main findings reveal: (1) Customized VRSRs exhibit high repeatability and stability; (2) Customized VRSRs are compatible with five common types of ventilation rate testing equipment. Consequently, the model offers scientific theoretical guidance for the production of tobacco-specific VRSRs. Additionally, the study serves as a practical case reference for the production of multi-branch piping systems.