Experimental Analysis of Flow through Concentric Vane Swirler in Combustion Chamber Using Atmospheric Air

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Shah Jagruti, Mansha Kumari, and Arvind. S. Mohite, “Experimental analysis of flow through concentric vane swirler in combustion
chamber using atmospheric air,” International Journal of Scientific and Technical Advancements, Volume 2, Issue 1, pp. 15-19, 2016.
International Journal of Scientific and Technical Advancements
ISSN: 2454-1532
Experimental Analysis of Flow through Concentric
Vane Swirler in Combustion Chamber Using
Atmospheric Air
Shah Jagruti1
, Mansha Kumari 2
, Arvind. S. Mohite3
1, 2, 3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, M. S. University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Email address: 1
Jadu_6483@yahoo.com, 2
manshakumari28@yahoo.com, 3
mohite21@yahoo.com
Abstract—Swirling flow is main flow produced by air swirler, such flow is combination of swirling & vortex breakdown. Swirling flow is
widely employed in combustion system for flame stabilization in combustion system. Swirling flow, which are highly complex, have
characteristic of both rotating motion & free turbulence phenomenon encountered as in jet & wake flow. Presence of swirl results in setting
up of radial & axial pressure gradient is sufficiently large to result in reverse flow along axis & generating an internal circulation zone. Swirl
flows offer an interesting field of study for aerospace and mechanical engineering in general for combustion, separation and mixing of flow.
Since, it involves complex interaction of recirculation and turbulent mixing. Swirling flow generates rotating flows, turbulence and free jet
wakes at the downstream of swirler in combustion chamber. So there is complex interaction between pressure gradients and fluid flow.
Swirling flows in both reacting and non- reacting conditions occur in wide range of applications such as gas turbines, marine combustor
burners, chemical processing plants, rotary kilns, electrostatic separator and spray dryers. Electrostatic precipitator are highly efficient
filtration device that minimally impede the flow gases through the device and can easy remove the fine particulate matter such as dust and
smoke from the air stream. Concentric Swirler is being used to remove the particulate, especially from smoke, which after striking it, gets
settle down and get collected in the accumulator. Experimental studies show that swirl has large-scale effects on flow fields: jet growth,
entrainment and decay and flame size, shape, stability and combustion intensity are affected by the degree of swirl imparted to the flow.
Therefore, swirling flows are commonly used to improve and control the mixing process. This work presents the design of swirler,
applicable for producing the CRZ (control recirculation zone). The whole assembly is design which includes inlet pipe, swirler, expansion
chamber, tail pipe. Axisymmetric Swirler model is designed with concentric swirler. The complete behavior of the flow in the chamber and
the flow of gases through the device can easily remove the fine particulate matter such as dust and smoke from the air stream. Experiment
has been done taking atmospheric cold air instead of hot gases in combustion chamber.
Keywords—Swirl; tailpipe; CRZ; concentric chamber; electrostatic precipitator.
I. INTRODUCTION
wirling flows offer an interesting field of study for
aerospace and mechanical engineers in general and
for combustion engineers in particular since it
involves complex interaction of recirculation and turbulent
mixing which aid flame stabilization in combustion systems.
Swirling flows have practical applications in many combustion
systems, such as industrial furnaces and gas turbine
combustors. Swirling flows in both reacting and non-reacting
conditions occur in a wide range of applications such as gas
turbines, marine combustors, burners‟ chemical processing
plants, rotary kilns and spray dryers. Swirling jets are used as
a means of controlling flames in combustion chambers. The
presence of swirl results in setting up of radial and axial
pressure gradients, which in turn influence the flow fields. In
case of strong swirl the adverse axial pressure gradient is
sufficiently large to result in reverse flow along the axis and
generating an internal circulation zone. In the present study,
the design of vane swirler is based on the design procedure of
Mathur and Macallum [1]. The energy spent in swirl
generation and the velocity and static pressure distributions in
the jets issuing into the atmosphere are reported with reference
to the central recirculation zone. Swirl flows can be
characterized by means of a non-dimensional number called
the swirl number „S‟, which is the ratio of axial flux of swirl
momentum (GΦ) divided by axial flux of axial momentum
(Gx) times the equivalent nozzle radius (R). The basic
characteristic of a weak swirl (S< 0.3) is just to increase the
width of a free or confined jet flow but not to develop any
axial recirculation. This is due to low axial pressure gradient,
whereas strong swirl (S> 0.6) develops strong axial and radial
pressure gradient, which aids to form a central toroidal
recirculation zone. The central toroidal recirculation zone
(CTRZ) is due to the imbalance between adverse pressure
gradient along the jet axis and the kinetic energy of the fluid
particles flowing in the axial direction. This is due to
dissipation and diffusion of swirl and also by flow divergence
[3]. As already mentioned, based on swirl number, the swirl
flows are classified into weak, medium and strong swirl. If
swirl number is less than 0.3 it is usually classified as weak
swirl and if it is between 0.3 and 0.6 it is called medium swirl
and if the swirl number is greater than 0.6, it is called strong
swirl [4]. The recirculation zone geometry is a direct function
of swirl number [2]. In combustors, the central recirculation
zone acts as an aerodynamic blockage or a three-dimensional
bluff body. This helps in flame stabilization by providing a hot
flow of recirculated combustion products and a reduced
velocity region where flame speed and flow velocity can be
matched. Swirling jets are used in furnaces as a means of
controlling the length and stability of the flames. A common
S

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ISSN: 2454-1532
method of generating a swirling flow is by employing a vane
swirler.
II. PURPOSE OF THE DESIGN
The combustion chamber should have optimum efficiency
to meet the desired need of the industrial application. For
efficient combustion vane swirler is induced into the
combustion chamber which will reverse the flow of air &
creates recirculation region and control the length and
provides the stability to the flame. This combustion swirler is
designed with the compact assembly of diffuser (dump),
expansion chamber, and tailpipe.
Swirler
There are mainly two types of swirler in practical cases
and modifications are made in them to improve the
performance of the swirler.
A. Axial swirler B. Radial swirler
Axial swirler tend to have higher pressure losses than the
radial type but are much simpler to manufacture. Parameters
of interest to axial swirler designers are depicted by figure 1
and figure 2. They include the vane angle θv, the inner hub
radius Rhub, the outer swirler radius Rsw, the vane thickness tv,
the vane length cv, and the number of vanes nv. Typical axial
swirler designs have vane angle 45o
, vane thickness between
2mm, and 8 vanes. In this design curved vanes are used to
obtain better results. Figure 3 shows the Process of
recirculation in a gas turbine combustor using streamlines. A
useful parameter for design is the Swirl number, Sn. The swirl
number is ameasure of the ratio of angular momentum flux to
axial momentum flux and defined by (Chigier& Beer, 1964).
Fig. 1. Axial swirler.
Fig. 2. Design parameters of axial swirler.
The swirl number determines the criterion for
recirculation. The recirculation zone increases in length and
diameter as the swirl number is increased to a value of 1.5.
The zone continues to increase in diameter beyond this value;
however, its length begins to decrease.
Fig. 3. Process of recirculation in a gas turbine combustor using streamlines.
III. ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR
An electrostatic precipitator (ESP), or electrostatic air
cleaner is a particulate collection device that removes particles
from a flowing gas (such as air) using the force of an induced
electrostatic charge. Electrostatic precipitators are highly
efficient filtration devices that minimally impede the flow of
gases through the device, and can easily remove fine
particulate matter such as dust and smoke from the air stream
Working Principle
The most basic precipitator contains a row of thin vertical
wires, and followed by a stack of large flat metal plates
oriented vertically, with the plates typically spaced about 1 cm
to 18 cm apart, depending on the application. The air or gas
stream flows horizontally through the spaces between the
wires, and then passes through the stack of plates.
Fig. 4. Electrostatic precipitator working.
A negative voltage of several thousand volts is applied
between wire and plate. If the applied voltage is high enough
an electric (corona) discharge ionizes the gas around the
electrodes. Negative ions flow to the plates and charge the
gas-flow particles. The ionized particles, following the
negative electric field created by the power supply, move to
the grounded plates. Particles build up on the collection plates
and form a layer. The layer does not collapse, thanks to
electrostatic pressure (given from layer resistivity, electric

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ISSN: 2454-1532
field, and current flowing in the collected layer). Electrostatic
Precipitator working is shown in figure 4.
Application
The two-stage design (charging section ahead of collecting
section) has the benefit of minimizing ozone production which
would adversely affect health of personnel working in
enclosed spaces. For shipboard engine rooms where gearboxes
generate an oil fog, two-stage ESP's are used to clean the air
improving the operating environment and preventing buildup
of flammable oil fog accumulations. Collected oil is returned
to the gear lubricating system.
With electrostatic precipitators, if the collection plates are
allowed to accumulate large amounts of particulate matter, the
particles can sometimes bond so tightly to the metal plates that
vigorous washing and scrubbing may be required to
completely clean the collection plates. The close spacing of
the plates can make thorough cleaning difficult, and the stack
of plates often cannot be easily disassembled for cleaning. One
solution, suggested by several manufacturers, is to wash the
collector plates in a dishwasher.
Some consumer precipitation filters are sold with special
soak-off cleaners, where the entire plate array is removed from
the precipitator and soaked in a large container overnight, to
help loosen the tightly bonded particulates.
Consumer-oriented electrostatic air cleaners
Plate precipitators are commonly marketed to the public as
air purifier devices or as a permanent replacement for furnace
filters, but all have the undesirable attribute of being
somewhat messy to clean. A negative side-effect of
electrostatic precipitation devices is the production of toxic
ozone and NOx. However, electrostatic precipitators offer
benefits over other air purifications technologies, such as
HEPA filtration, which require expensive filters and can
become "production sinks" for many harmful forms of
bacteria.
IV. DESIGN DETAIL OF 45O
AXIAL CONCENTRIC SWIRLER
There is concentric pipe, consisting of inner and outer
pipe. Inner pipe is 120mm in diameter, 300 mm in length. It
consists of hub of diameter 40mm, on which 8 vanes of 2 mm
thickness is mounted. Length of hub is 60 mm. Vanes are at 0°
inlet and 45° outlet angle. Height of vanes is 30 mm which
consist of inner length of 580 mm and outer length of 850 mm.
Vane Swirler is placed inlet pipe with vane tip made to
coincide with exit plane of inlet pipe. Hub to Tip ratio is 0.3.
Outer pipe is 250 mm outer diameter and inner diameter is 235
mm. it consist of 6, small rotating hub of diameter of 20 mm.
Each hub consists of 3 vanes, placed at 120° angle. Length of
hub is 50 mm, height is 30 mm. Vanes are symmetrical,
trailing edge of vane do not lie in plane of hub exit. Angle
subtended by vane at axis, when viewed in axial direction (φ),
75°, giving an overlap of 30° between adjacent vanes. Figure 5
shows concentric vane swirler with hub.
Expansion Chamber
The diameter and length of the chamber is designed
250mm and 1100mm respectively. The tailpipe of 120mm
diameter and 1300mm length is provided to avoid the
atmospheric disturbance, as shown in figure 6 to measure the
axial velocity. Table I. Different stations points at downstream
of swirler.
Fig. 5. Concentric vane swirler with hub.
Table I. Different station point at downstream of swirler.
Station I J K L M N O P
X 290 320 360 400 450 520 590 660
x/d 1.16 1.28 1.44 1.6 1.8 2.08 2.36 2.64
Fig. 6. Expansion chamber.
Tail Pipe
The tail pipe is provided after the expansion chamber to
prevent the back flow of air and avoid the disturbance of
atmosphere so pressure loss can be minimized to a
considerable extent. The tailpipe of 120mm diameter and
1300mm length is provided to avoid the atmospheric
disturbance, as shown in figure 7.
Fig. 7. Tail pipe.
Flow Measuring Device
The flow measuring device consists of probe holding
device and traversing devices. Traversing mechanism consists
of Main body, Main lead screw, Support rod, Nut, End plates,
Handle and Platform.

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ISSN: 2454-1532
Manometer
Manometer having water as fluid is used for the pressure
measurement. Readings are taken by keeping the manometer
at 90o
with reference to the horizontal.
Experimental setup is being fabricated which include inlet
pipe, swirler, expansion chamber, tailpipe as shown in figure 8
Fig. 8. Experimental setup.
V. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE TO FIND OUT AXIAL
VELOCITIES AT DIFFERENT STATIONS FOR CONCENTRIC VANE
SWIRLER
First of all set the blower to such a speed that its velocity
becomes 9 m/sec. keeps blower running at 46 Hz. Here, the
impeller used is of backward flow type. So that we get
velocity at the inlet duct is of 9 m/sec. measure the velocity at
the inlet of duct through anemometer and Pitot tube.
Measure the velocity and pressure at inlet of the swirler
through Pitot tube, which gives conditions at inlet.
Make exit of the swirler to be X = 0 plane.
Create planes at different stations such as at
H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P at different distances such as X.
At stations A the axes line indicates that Y = 0 plane at X
= 20.
Now locate the five hole probe at location X = 0 and Y = 0
at station h. Hence the coordinate is (0, 0). Take readings at
this point.
While taking readings keep the probe to move in
horizontal direction such that it‟s top and bottom hole are set
at zero setting adjustment. Note down the readings of different
hole of probe such as left (2), right (4), top (1), bottom (3), and
middle (5).
Now try to take readings along Y- direction means at point
X = 0 and Y = 15. So, coordinates becomes (0, 15). Now again
move the probe at different points in the X direction such as
(70, 15), (90, 15), (130, 15), (170, 15), (210, 15) and take
readings at these different points
Likewise keep and move the probe at different points in X-
and also Y- direction and take readings of five hole probe at
these different points.
Now move the probe to the next station such as at station I.
And repeat the procedure as described above.
At the end measure the velocity and pressure at the exit of
the expansion chamber and tail pipe with help of Pitot tube,
which gives condition at the exit of the expansion chamber
and tail pipe respectively.
Now to find the different velocity components at different
points the following equations are used and the values of
pressure which we get from the five hole probe are placed in
these equation
U = Ū cos β cos α
V = Ū sin α
W = Ū cos α sin β
So, we get the different components of velocity and by
getting these values, plot the graphs of axial and tangential
velocities at different points.
VI. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
Experimental Results for Concentric Swirler with Hub
Axial Velocity Contours
At station H, 20 mm downstream of the concentric swirler
in Expansion Chamber region, at the center, reverse velocity is
observed which become positive and increases from mid-plane
to near of the wall. At station I, 50 mm downstream of the
concentric swirler in Expansion Chamber region, at the center,
reverse velocity is observed which become positive and
increases from mid-plane to near of the wall. At station J, 90
mm downstream of the concentric swirler in Expansion
Chamber region, at the center, reverse velocity is observed
which increase in the mid-plane. It become positive near of the
wall. At station K, 130 mm downstream of the concentric
swirler in Expansion Chamber region, at the center, reverse
velocity is observed which increase near the wall. At station L,
170 mm downstream of the concentric swirler in Expansion
which remains constant to near of the wall. At station M, 210
mm downstream of the concentric swirler in Expansion
which decrease near the wall. At station N, 250 mm
downstream of the concentric swirler in Expansion Chamber
region, at the center, reverse velocity is observed which
increase near the wall. From the contours of axial velocity, it
can be clearly seen the recirculation zone takes place at the
exit of the swirler in the expansion chamber. In the
recirculation zone axial velocity decreases up to -18 to -24 m/s
in case of axial velocity contour. The velocity magnitude in
the central zone has only negative values. The flow
downstream of the swirler shows maximum reverse velocity
of 24 m/s which shows the formation of recirculation zone.
The contours are obtained by plotting the axial velocities
which ranges from zero to maximum negative value within the
recirculation zone.

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ISSN: 2454-1532
Fig. 9. Experimental graph for concentric swirler with hub.
VII. CONCLUSIONS
From results it is observed that near the wall flow is not
showing deviation as compare to at the center of the chamber
from swirler to up to certain stage. So in this region
measurement with help of five hole probe was not possible. In
the chamber, as increase in velocity so fluctuation were
observed during the measurement. Velocity rise in the
chamber, on the downstream of the swirler can be varied with
the help of changing the swirler cross section area. In the
Swirler rising velocity, give rise to uniform flow in the
chamber. Flow can be allow to pass as per requirement with
different conditions, at inlet to the Swirler flow in the chamber
is deviating from center towards the wall. So this can helpful
in Precipitator to operate on full range. With and without hub
Flow is not much distorted in the chamber.
Without hub Swirler shows circulation Zone at center as
compared to with hub Swirler. Rotating Swirler can be act as a
obstruct to the particulate in the flow and also helpful to
controlling flow. Rotating swirler can be set at different angle
which can be made fixed, so that we can get swirl flow at the
periphery of the chamber. The recirculation zone in the mid
plane downstream of the swirler is shown in the figure 9 for
concentric swirler with hub the region with reverse velocity is
termed as central recirculation zone which necessary for flame
stabilization and for proper mixing.
REFERENCES
[1] M. L. Mathur and N. R. L. Maccallum, “Swirling air jets issuing from
vane swirler. Part 1: free jets,” Journal of the Institute of Fuel, 214, pp.
214–225, 1967.
[2] R. F. Huang and F. C. Tsai, “Observations of swirling ﬂows behind
circular disks,” AIAA Journal, 39, pp. 1106–1112, 2001.
[3] B.T. Vu, C. Goulding, Flow measurements in a model swirl combustor,
AIAA Journal, 20(5), pp. 642–651, 1982.
[4] V. Ganesan, “Recirculation and turbulence studies in an isothermal
model of a gas turbine combustor chamber,” Ph.D. Thesis, I.I.T.-
Madras, Chennai, India, 1974.
[5] M. R. J. Charest, “Design methodology for a lean premixed
prevaporized can combustor,” pp. 13-66, 2005.
[6] E. Kilik, “Better swirl generation by using curved vanes,” California
state university, Long Beach, California.
[7] R ThundilKaruppa Raj and V Ganesan, “Experimental study of
recirculating flows induced vane swirler,” Indian Journal Engineering &
Material Science, vol.16, pp. 14-22, 2009.
[8] M. R. Pawar, A. S. Mohite, and A. R. Patel, “Investigation and
validation of swirl generation in combustion chamber,” ICAME, SVNIT,
SURAT, 2010.
[9] A. S. Mohite, B. K. Shah, and A. K. Dhakiya;” Experimental study on
the effect of various parameters of recirculation flows induced by vane
swirler.” IJERD, vol. 3, issue 4, pp. 38-44, 2012.
[10] A. S. Mohite, B. K. Shah, and A. K. Dhakiya,” Enhancement in the
design of combustion chamber swirler,” The Journal of Technical
Education, 2012.

Experimental Analysis of Flow through Concentric Vane Swirler in Combustion Chamber Using Atmospheric Air

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Experimental Analysis of Flow through Concentric Vane Swirler in Combustion Chamber Using Atmospheric Air