University Researcher in Japan Reduces Energy Needed for Pipe Flow by 60% Using Pulsating Motion

Kaoru Iwamoto, a specially appointed Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical System Engineering at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Graduate School of Engineering, announced on March 11, 2010, that he has successfully developed a technology which reduces the turbulent frictional resistance that occurs when fluids flow by using pulsation to reestablish laminar flow. He came about this discovery after observing the pulsating motion of the flow of blood. Using this technology he has achieved a maximum of approximately 58 percent reduction in the energy needed to move gases and liquids in pipelines. This is part of an industrial technology research project subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

This technology can be applied to almost all fluids in pipelines, and can also be used for moving gases such as natural gas, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The system is easy to construct; by simply changing the pump control method, which drives the fluids, heat loss throughout a piping system is significantly reduced, thereby improving the thermal insulation.

The university intends to promote research and development so that the technology may be put to practical use, and is proposing joint development, technological consultation and exchange of views with companies and organizations that already have expertise in the fields of pipeline technology and district heating and cooling (DHC).

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology official website
http://www.tuat.ac.jp/en/

Posted: 2010/08/06 06:00:15 AM