Analytical and Experimental Studies of ASME Flow Nozzles

Abstract

In this paper, we first present a state of the art review of the published work concerning theoretical nozzle discharge coefficients. Then, we develop a new nozzle discharge coefficient based on an axisymmetric boundary layer solution, which in turn is based on a new axisymmetric potential flow solution. These solutions apply to plenum inlet installations which offer major advantages over conventional ASME pipe inlet installations as to losses, and as to predictability of the discharge coefficient at the higher Reynolds numbers encountered in industry. Next, we present new correlations for static pressure tap errors and apply these to the theoretical (zero tap size) discharge coefficients. Finally, we present new experimental data showing how a laminar boundary layer is preserved and tap error is accordingly minimized for the case of a plenum inlet with ASME nozzle contour.