Engineering
Bernoulli's Equation @ Neutrium.net
May 28, 2014Bernoulli’s Principle is an important observation in fluid dynamics which states that for an inviscid flow, an increase in the velocity of the fluid results in a simultaneous decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid’s potential energy. This principle is often represented mathematically in the many forms of Bernoulli’s equation. This article presents some useful forms of Bernoulli’s Equations and their simplifying assumptions.
Torricelli's Law @ Neutrium.net
May 28, 2014This article presents Torricelli’s law, a simplified method of estimating the velocity of fluid passing through an open orifice under static pressure.
Volume and Wetted Area of Partially Filled Vertical Vessels @ Neutrium.net
April 11, 2014The calculation of a horizontal vessels wetted area and volume is required for engineering tasks such fire studies and the determination of level alarms and control set points. However the calculation of these parameters is complicated by the geometry of the vessel, particularly the heads. This article details formulae for calculating the wetted area and volume of these vessels for various types of curved ends including: hemispherical, torispherical, semi-ellipsoidal and bumped ends.
Algebraic Factoring @ Neutrium.net
April 4, 2014When developing algebraic expressions it is often useful to factorise the expression to familiar components. Through factorisation, one can increases both the readability and manipulability of the expression. This article summarises the common algebra factorisation relationships.
Heat of Combustion @ Neutrium.net
April 2, 2014The heat of combustion is the energy liberated when a substance undergoes complete combustion, at constant pressure usually in an environment with excess Oxygen. The heat of combustion is utilised to quantify the performance of a fuel in a combustion system such as furnaces, power generation turbines and motors. This article describes the heat of combustion and provides a list of heats of combustion for commons fuels and fuel components.
Specific Energy and Energy Density of Fuels @ Neutrium.net
March 27, 2014Specific energy and energy density are useful measures of the energy that will be released from a given weight or volume of fuel when it is burned. This article provides a quick reference for common values of specific energy and energy density.
Laws of thermodynamics @ Neutrium.net
March 4, 2014The laws of thermodynamics are fundamental laws which describe the behaviour of heat and work in a thermodynamic system. These laws forbid phenomena such as perpetual motion machines, a hypothetical machine the development of which was pursued during the industrial revolution.
Comparing Volumetric Flow Rates for Equivalent Pressure Loss @ Neutrium.net
February 6, 2014Standard volumetric flow rates of a fluid are often used to describe the capacity of a vent or pressure relief device. To determine how this capacity compares for another fluid under different pressure and temperature conditions a conversion must be made on the basis of equivalent pressure loss. This article describes the method for calculating the volumetric flow rate of a gas which will give the equivalent pressure drop to another gas through a fixed restriction such as a vent.
Thermal Relief Cascades @ Neutrium.net
January 27, 2014For systems where liquid product may be trapped in a pipe section of an extended period of time thermal expansion can become a problem. Heating of the fluid in the pipe results in a rapid pressure rise as the fluid expands which can quickly exceed the design pressure of the pipeline. The damaging effects of the thermal expansion can be mitigated through the use of thermal relief valves and where there is several potential pipe blockages in series, it is often necessary to ‘cascade’ thermal relief valves back to a tank. This article describes how to design a cascading thermal relief system.
Baume Scale @ Neutrium.net
January 22, 2014The Baumé scale was first developed in 1768 as a method of measuring the density of liquids. Today it is largely superseded, however it is still used in some industries as a measure of density or concentration. This article presents formula for the calculation of degrees Baumé for a liquid.