Optimization of the mass flow amplifier in curved pipe

• Numerically optimized a mass flow amplifier in an L-shape curved pipe using DOE, MOGA, and RSM. • Enhanced primary flow amplification by 191% through optimal design. • Achieved a 50% reduction in erosion rate compared to the reference model. • Applied the Coanda effect to amply flow rate and mitigate erosion in hydrogen piping. • Validated the optimization process using CFD results, showing less than 2.4% error. At present, vessels, vehicles, pipes and analogous structures are utilized to supply energy sources, such as gas and oil, to users. It is evident that fluid piping systems are susceptible to energy dissipation, a consequence of their tubular configuration. This dissipation is particularly pronounced at junctions and joints, resulting in substantial energy losses. Energy dissipation constitutes a considerable engineering expense, thus necessitating research into pipe geometry. Furthermore, foreign matter within the fluid, such as solid particles, can cause erosion through physical impact. This process of erosion has the effect of stripping the internal coating of the pipe, with the detached coating particles causing further erosion. Consequently, a vicious cycle of erosion occurs, leading to substantial erosion at downstream points and resulting in fluid leakage. A mass flow amplifier is a fluid device that utilizes the Coanda effect. The primary mechanism of this apparatus is to affix a secondary fluid flow to the surface of the primary flow, thereby generating suction force to amplify the primary flow. In this study, the mass flow amplifier configuration was implemented as a replacement for the existing joint or compressor, with the objective of investigating flow characteristics. A multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) was employed to optimize various parameters of the mass flow amplifier. The optimization achieved an amplification rate of 191.3%. With regard to the erosion rate, it was demonstrated that this reduced the average rate by 86%, and the maximum rate by 94%, in comparison with the T-shape. The findings indicate that the implementation of the optimized mass flow amplifier is effective in enhancing the safety of hydrogen pipeline networks, while concurrently offering an economical and efficient solution for existing compressor systems.