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Wake Frequency Calculation Software Free Download
If you are looking for a reliable and easy way to perform wake frequency calculation for your thermowell design, you might be interested in downloading some free software that can help you with this task. In this article, we will explain what wake frequency calculation is, why it is important, what are the standards and methods for doing it, what are the features and advantages of using software for this purpose, and how to download and use some of the best free wake frequency calculation software available online.
Wake Frequency Calculation Software Free Download
What is wake frequency calculation and why is it important?
Wake frequency calculation is a process of analyzing the vibration behavior of a thermowell in a fluid flow. A thermowell is a device that protects a temperature sensor (such as a thermocouple or an RTD) from the harsh conditions of the process fluid, such as high pressure, temperature, corrosion, or erosion. Thermowells are commonly used in various industries, such as chemical, oil and gas, power generation, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical.
However, thermowells also introduce some challenges for the temperature measurement system. One of the main challenges is the vibration induced by the fluid flow around the thermowell. When the fluid flows past the thermowell, it creates a turbulent wake behind it, where vortices are shed alternately from each side of the thermowell. These vortices exert a periodic force on the thermowell, causing it to vibrate at a certain frequency, known as the wake frequency.
If the wake frequency matches or is close to the natural frequency of the thermowell (the frequency at which the thermowell vibrates when disturbed), a phenomenon called resonance occurs. Resonance can cause excessive vibration amplitude, which can lead to fatigue failure or damage of the thermowell or the sensor. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the wake frequency is sufficiently lower than the natural frequency of the thermowell, by choosing an appropriate thermowell design that can withstand the fluid flow conditions.
The concept of wake frequency calculation
Wake frequency calculation is a way of estimating the wake frequency and comparing it with the natural frequency of the thermowell. The basic concept of wake frequency calculation is based on the Strouhal number, which is a dimensionless parameter that relates the wake frequency (fw), the fluid velocity (V), and the tip diameter of the thermowell (d). The Strouhal number (St) can be expressed as:
St = fw * d / V
The Strouhal number is usually obtained from empirical correlations or experimental data for different flow regimes and thermowell geometries. Once the Strouhal number is known, the wake frequency can be calculated by rearranging the equation:
fw = St * V / d
The natural frequency of the thermowell depends on its material properties (such as modulus of elasticity and density), dimensions (such as length, diameter, and wall thickness), and mounting conditions (such as fixed or free end). The natural frequency can be calculated using various formulas or models, such as Rayleigh's method, Timoshenko's method, or finite element analysis.
The benefits of wake frequency calculation
Wake frequency calculation has several benefits for ensuring a safe and accurate temperature measurement system. Some of these benefits are:
It helps to avoid resonance and prevent thermowell failure or damage.
It helps to optimize thermowell design by selecting suitable dimensions and materials.
It helps to reduce costs by avoiding overdesign or underdesign of thermowells.
It helps to comply with industry standards and regulations for thermowell design.
It helps to improve process performance and efficiency by ensuring reliable temperature measurement.
The challenges of wake frequency calculation
Despite its benefits, wake frequency calculation also poses some challenges for engineers and designers. Some of these challenges are:
It requires accurate and reliable data on fluid properties (such as density and viscosity), flow conditions (such as velocity and turbulence), and thermowell characteristics (such as geometry and material).
It involves complex calculations that can be time-consuming and error-prone.
It may not account for all possible factors that affect thermowell vibration, such as fluid-structure interaction, non-linear effects, or dynamic loading.
It may not provide sufficient information on other aspects of thermowell design, such as stress analysis, corrosion resistance, or thermal response.
What are the standards and methods for wake frequency calculation?
There are various standards and methods that provide guidelines and procedures for performing wake frequency calculation for thermowells. Some of these standards and methods are:
ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016: The latest standard for thermowell design
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) published a new standard for thermowell design in 2016, called ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016: Thermowells - Performance Test Codes. This standard replaces the previous version ASME PTC 19.3-1974, which was widely used but had some limitations and inaccuracies.
The new standard provides updated formulas and criteria for calculating the natural frequency and allowable stress of thermowells, as well as new definitions and classifications of thermowell types and flow regimes. It also introduces a new parameter called the Scruton number (Sc), which is a measure of damping ratio that accounts for both fluid damping and structural damping. The Scruton number can be expressed as:
Sc = m * ζ / ρ * d
where m is the mass per unit length of the thermowell, ζ is the damping ratio, ρ is the fluid density, and d is the tip diameter of the thermowell.
The new standard uses the Scruton number to determine the allowable vibration amplitude of the thermowell, which is a function of the ratio of wake frequency to natural frequency (fw/fn). The new standard also provides graphs and tables for estimating the Strouhal number, the Scruton number, and the allowable vibration amplitude for different types of thermowells and flow regimes.
Murdock method: The traditional approach for thermowell vibration analysis
The Murdock method is one of the oldest and most widely used methods for performing wake frequency calculation for thermowells. The Murdock method was developed by J.W. Murdock in 1959, based on his experimental studies of thermowell vibration in air and water flows. The Murdock method provides formulas and charts for calculating the natural frequency and allowable stress of thermowells, as well as empirical correlations for estimating the Strouhal number for different flow regimes. The Murdock method also defines a safety factor called the resonance ratio, which is the ratio of natural frequency to natural frequency (fn/fw), which should be greater than 1.2 to avoid resonance. The Murdock method is simple and easy to use, but it has some limitations and drawbacks. Some of these are:
It does not account for the effect of fluid damping on the natural frequency of the thermowell.
It does not account for the effect of oscillating drag force on the wake frequency and vibration amplitude.
It does not account for the effect of non-linear effects or dynamic loading on the thermowell vibration.
It does not provide accurate results for high-density fluids (such as liquids or high-pressure gases) or high-velocity flows.
Other methods: CFD, FEA, and experimental testing
Besides the ASME standard and the Murdock method, there are other methods that can be used to perform wake frequency calculation for thermowells. Some of these methods are:
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): CFD is a numerical method that solves the governing equations of fluid flow and heat transfer around a thermowell. CFD can provide detailed information on the fluid velocity, pressure, temperature, and turbulence around the thermowell, as well as the wake frequency and vortex shedding patterns. CFD can also be coupled with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate the fluid-structure interaction and calculate the natural frequency and vibration amplitude of the thermowell. CFD/FEA can provide more accurate and realistic results than analytical methods, but it requires more computational resources and expertise to perform.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA): FEA is a numerical method that solves the governing equations of solid mechanics and heat transfer for a thermowell. FEA can provide detailed information on the stress, strain, displacement, and temperature distribution along the thermowell, as well as the natural frequency and vibration modes. FEA can also be coupled with CFD to simulate the fluid-structure interaction and calculate the wake frequency and vibration amplitude of the thermowell. FEA/CFD can provide more accurate and realistic results than analytical methods, but it requires more computational resources and expertise to perform.
Experimental testing: Experimental testing is a method that involves measuring the actual vibration behavior of a thermowell in a laboratory or field setting. Experimental testing can provide direct and reliable information on the wake frequency, natural frequency, and vibration amplitude of a thermowell under different flow conditions. Experimental testing can also be used to validate or calibrate analytical or numerical methods. However, experimental testing can be costly, time-consuming, and difficult to perform for various thermowell designs and process conditions.
What are the features and advantages of wake frequency calculation software?
Wake frequency calculation software is a type of software that can help engineers and designers perform wake frequency calculation for thermowells in an easy and efficient way. Wake frequency calculation software can have various features and advantages, depending on its type, functionality, and quality. Some of these features and advantages are:
How wake frequency calculation software works
Wake frequency calculation software works by taking input data from the user on the fluid properties, flow conditions, and thermowell characteristics, and performing calculations based on analytical or numerical methods to output results on the wake frequency, natural frequency, vibration amplitude, stress analysis, and suitability of the thermowell design. Wake frequency calculation software can also provide graphical or tabular displays of the results, as well as reports or recommendations for improving or optimizing the thermowell design.
The benefits of using wake frequency calculation software
Using wake frequency calculation software can have several benefits for engineers and designers who need to perform wake frequency calculation for thermowells. Some of these benefits are:
Accuracy and reliability
Wake frequency calculation software can provide accurate and reliable results based on validated methods and data sources. Wake frequency calculation software can also account for various factors that affect thermowell vibration, such as fluid damping, oscillating drag force, non-linear effects, or dynamic loading. Wake frequency calculation software can also reduce human errors or mistakes that may occur during manual calculations.
Efficiency and convenience
Wake frequency calculation software can save time and effort by performing complex calculations quickly and easily. Wake frequency calculation software can also automate repetitive tasks or processes that may be involved in wake frequency calculation, such as data entry, data processing, data analysis, data visualization, or data reporting. Wake frequency calculation software can also be accessed online or offline, depending on its type and availability.
Flexibility and customization
Wake frequency calculation software can offer flexibility and customization by allowing the user to input various data and parameters, choose different methods and models, and adjust different settings and options. Wake frequency calculation software can also provide different outputs and formats, such as graphs, tables, reports, or recommendations, depending on the user's needs and preferences.
How to download and use wake frequency calculation software for free?
If you are interested in downloading and using wake frequency calculation software for free, you might want to check out some of the best free wake frequency calculation software available online. Here are some of them:
The best free wake frequency calculation software available online
Ashcroft Wake Frequency Calculator
Ashcroft Wake Frequency Calculator is a free online tool that allows you to perform wake frequency calculation for thermowells according to ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016. You can input data on the fluid properties, flow conditions, and thermowell characteristics, and get results on the wake frequency, natural frequency, vibration amplitude, stress analysis, and suitability of the thermowell design. You can also view graphs and tables of the results, as well as download a PDF report or an Excel file with the data. You can access the Ashcroft Wake Frequency Calculator at https://www.ashcroft.com/webtools/CalculatorWF/.
WIKA Thermowell Calculation Software
WIKA Thermowell Calculation Software is a free online tool that allows you to perform wake frequency calculation for thermowells according to ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016. You can input data on the fluid properties, flow conditions, and thermowell characteristics, and get results on the wake frequency, natural frequency, vibration amplitude, stress analysis, and suitability of the thermowell design. You can also view graphs and tables of the results, as well as download a PDF report or an Excel file with the data. You can access the WIKA Thermowell Calculation Software at https://www.wika.com/en-us/thermowell_calculation_software.WIKA.
Thermowell Design Accelerator by Emerson
Thermowell Design Accelerator by Emerson is a free online tool that allows you to perform wake frequency calculation for thermowells according to ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016. You can input data on the fluid properties, flow conditions, and thermowell characteristics, and get results on the wake frequency, natural frequency, vibration amplitude, stress analysis, and suitability of the thermowell design. You can also view graphs and tables of the results, as well as download a PDF report or an Excel file with the data. You can access the Thermowell Design Accelerator by Emerson at https://www.emerson.com/en-us/catalog/rosemount-thermowell-design-accelerator.
How to download and install the software
To download and install any of these free wake frequency calculation software, you need to follow these steps:
Go to the website of the software you want to use.
Click on the link or button that says "Start", "Launch", or "Access" the software.
If prompted, register or log in with your email address and password.
If prompted, agree to the terms and conditions or disclaimer of the software.
If prompted, download or install any required plug-ins or extensions for your browser.
Wait for the software to load or open in your browser.
How to use the software to perform wake frequency calculation
To use any of these free wake frequency calculation software to perform wake frequency calculation for thermowells , you need to follow these steps:
Enter or select the data on the fluid properties, such as density, viscosity, temperature, and pressure.
Enter or select the data on the flow conditions, such as velocity, turbulence, and direction.
Enter or select the data on the thermowell characteristics, such as material, dimensions, shape, and mounting.
Click on the button that says "Calculate", "Analyze", or "Evaluate" the thermowell design.
View the results on the wake frequency, natural frequency, vibration amplitude, stress analysis, and suitability of the thermowell design.
Compare the results with the criteria or limits provided by the software or the standard.
If needed, modify the data or the thermowell design and repeat the calculation until you get satisfactory results.
If desired, download or print the results or the report for future reference or documentation.
Conclusion
Wake frequency calculation is a vital process for ensuring a safe and accurate temperature measurement system using thermowells. Wake frequency calculation helps to avoid resonance and prevent thermowell failure or damage by choosing an appropriate thermowell design that can withstand the fluid flow conditions. Wake frequency calculation can be performed using various standards and methods, such as ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016, Murdock method, CFD, FEA, or experimental testing. Wake frequency calculation can also be performed using various software tools that can provide accuracy, reliability, efficiency, convenience, flexibility, and customization. Some of the best free wake frequency calculation software available online are Ashcroft Wake Frequency Calculator, WIKA Thermowell Calculation Software, and Thermowell Design Accelerator by Emerson. These software tools can help engineers and designers perform wake frequency calculation for thermowells in an easy and efficient way.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about wake frequency calculation and wake frequency calculation software:
What is wake frequency?
Wake frequency is the frequency at which vortices are shed from a thermowell due to the fluid flow around it. Wake frequency is a function of the fluid velocity and the tip diameter of the thermowell.
What is natural frequency?
Natural frequency is the frequency at which a thermowell vibrates when disturbed. Natural frequency is a function of the material properties, dimensions, and mounting conditions of the thermowell.
What is resonance?
Resonance is a phenomenon that occurs when the wake frequency matches or is close to the natural frequency of a thermowell. Resonance can cause excessive vibration amplitude, which can lead to fatigue failure or damage of the thermowell or the sensor.
What is ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016?
ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016 is a standard for thermowell design that provides guidelines and procedures for performing wake frequency calculation for thermowells according to various factors that affect thermowell vibration. ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016 replaces ASME PTC 19.3-1974.
What is Murdock method?
Murdock method is one of the oldest and most widely used methods for performing wake frequency calculation for thermowells. Murdock method was developed by J.W. Murdock in 1959, based on his experimental studies of thermowell vibration in air and water flows. Murdock method provides formulas and charts for calculating the natural frequency and allowable stress of thermowells, as well as empirical correlations for estimating the Strouhal number for different flow regimes.
What is CFD?
CFD is a numerical method that solves the