MEASUREMENTS OF THE TURBULENCE STRUCTURE DOWNSTREAM OF A TUBE BUNDLE AT HIGH REYNOLDS-NUMBERS

Mean and turbulent velocity profiles are measured in natural gas at a static pressure of approximately 5200 kPa and a Reynolds number of aro und 7 x 10(6). These measurements are obtained by conventional hot fil m anemometry suitably modified for use in a natural gas environment. M easurements are taken in a 102.26 mm nominal diameter pipe following a development length of around 76D. The mean velocity profile and the t urbulence intensities at this location are typical for a fully develop ed pipe flow. Further, measurements downstream of a 19 tube bundle flo w conditioner are also presented. The tube bundle is traversed downstr eam of a 90 degree, long radius (r = 1.5D) elbow and the measurements are taken at 19D downstream of the elbow exit. Measurements include th ose of the axial mean and turbulent velocities and the integral length scales. It is found that the decay of turbulence is slower and the ma gnitude of the length scale is smaller in comparison to measurements a l lower Reynolds numbers. Orifice meter comparisons, performed in a 19 D rest section (meter run), confirm earlier findings that turbulence i s one of the factors that affects orifice meter accuracy.