The LAD® Large Angle Diffuser is used in conjunction with conical expansions and reductions associated with reactors, heat exchangers and other process equipment. It consists of a series of overlapping truncated cones with a common focal point located within the expansion/reduction. Despite the change in diameter, the LAD® produces a flat velocity profile which results in an even distribution of process fluid in the cross-section during the concentric expansion.

The Large Angle Diffuser (LAD^®) is located inside a standard concentric diffuser and protrudes a small distance inside the small diameter piping section.

The LAD^® consists of a series of overlapping, truncated cones, all with a common focal point, which is located within the expansion.

The maximum angle of expansion you can have without causing backflow is 15°, which results in a very long piece of equipment.

In angles greater than 15° the LAD^® will ensure even flow across the expansion chamber.

Without a LAD^® there is turbulence and backflow. With a LAD^® there is smooth laminar flow, and a more compact piece of equipment.

Benefits with LAD^®: Diffuser is more compact, less loss of head & Maximum pressure head recovery.

Example: To operate properly the typical heat exchanger requires the high velocity flow, to slow down and uniformly distribute itself across its inlet. To achieve maximum pressure head recovery, (at the expense of plant size), the magic angle of 15 degrees between the two pipe diameter expansions cannot be exceeded, otherwise separated flow, with a jet-like velocity profile, and excessive head-loss will result.

The LAD®, while maintaining maximum pressure recovery and a uniform exit profile, can shorten the diffuser length and save space. The LAD® can be used with ducting and non-axial diffusers also. A typical illustration can be seen in Figure 2 above.

LAD® Applications

MULTITUBE HEAT EXCHANGERS:

• Assures Equal Flow Distribution To Each Tube When Expanding Into Heat Exchanger From A Small Feed Pipe Through Concentric Expansion/Dished Head To A Larger Tube Sheet Diameter.

CHEMICAL REACTORS: Small Feed Pipe Expansion Into Larger Pipe/Vessel

• Catalytic Reactor (Solid Bed): Assures Initial And Intermediate Bed Distribution Or Reactants

• Single Phase Chemical Reaction: Minimize Side Reactions Due To High Residence Time Of Recirculating Trapped Fluid In Expansion/Reduction Sections

DISTILLATION/ADSORPTION COLUMNS:

• Flashing Feed Vapor Distribution
• Gas Distribution For Low Pressure Drop Packed Towers

 WET SCRUBBERS:

• Mount Above Mist Eliminator And Inside Concentric Reduction Vessel Exit Section To Assure Full Utilization Of Mist Eliminator Cross-Sectional Area.

 ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPATORS:

• Mount In Expansion Duct Section To Assure Even Distribution Of Feed To Dust Removal Section.

LAD^® Large Angle Diffuser

• Benefits of Using LAD® and CRV® Technology Are:
• Increased Heat & Mass Transfer
• Increased Reaction
• Increased Capacity
• Increased Catalyst Life
• Decreases Reverse Flow and Plugging of Condenser Tubes
• Information Needed to fit application
  • Location where LAD^®needed (Condenser, Sudden Expansion, etc.)
  • Flow Conditions
  • Piping Diameter/Schedule, Piping Material
  • Expansion Geometry Isometric

Based on Above Information, CFS will provide a quote for the correct Large Angle Diffuser Design which can be welded into the expansion.

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Process Equipment Improves with LAD® & CRV® Technology

Using LAD®  and CRV® Technology Provides A Uniform Flow Distribution, Increasing Overall System Performance & Increasing Component Life.





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Our flow conditioners are custom made to specifically address each piping issue offering the greatest achievable flow correction.