Abstract: Drag is produced in a gas stream by a bluff body (47), and is converted to low pressure stable and continuous vortices by a restriction (56). The difference in gas pressure is sensed (14) between a point (15) outside the flow passage in communication therewith and a point (16) inside the flow passage between the restriction and the bluff body. The resultant flowmeter may be connected in line or as a bypass in a gas system.

Abstract: Exceptional atomization of liquids is achieved by combining shock wave formation and vortex generation in a gas stream. In a vortex generating device, a flow passage is aligned with a flow axis connected between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a plurality of tornado-like gas vortices are generated in the flow passage. In one embodiment, a restriction is formed in the fluid inlet, and a source of gas under sufficient pressure to cause sonic velocity at the restriction is connected to the inlet. In another embodiment, a restriction is formed in a downstream portion of a flow passage, and a pair of auxiliary flow passages connect an upstream portion of the flow passage to the restriction. In an embodiment, a fluid outlet has a concave semispherical surface opening into an ambient region.

Abstract: A vortex generating device has first and second adjacent bluff bodies downstream of a restriction. The bluff body closest the restriction has a flat surface facing upstream.

Abstract: A vortex is formed in fluid flowing through a flow passage from the inlet of the passage to its outlet. A bluff body is disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt vortically flowing fluid. In one embodiment, the bluff body, which could comprise one or more frustums or discs, has a flat surface facing the outlet. In another embodiment, the body comprises a sphere. In a third embodiment, the body comprises a frustum and a sphere adjacent to each other on the flow axis.

Abstract: A vortex is formed in fluid flowing through a flow passage from the inlet of the passage to its outlet. A resonator is disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept fluid flowing vortically through the passage. A bluff body lies between the outlet of the passage and the resonator to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage. The resonator is cylindrical having an axis aligned with the axis of the flow passage, an open end facing toward the outlet of the flow passage, and a closed end. Preferably, the bluff body is adjacent to the open end of the resonator and the length and width of the resonator are approximately multiples of the diameter of the bluff body.

Abstract: A flow passage having a restriction is connected between a fluid inlet and outlet. A bluff body such as a frustum or disc is disposed in the flow passage between the inlet and the restriction. The inlet is transverse to the axis of the flow passage. The bluff body is mounted on a rod extending through the flow passage. In one embodiment, a sphere is mounted on the end of the rod beyond the outlet. The rod may be hollow and have holes near the restriction for the purpose of liquid feed. As fluid entering the inlet passes the rod and bluff body to the restriction, a vortex is generated.

Abstract: A flow passage having a restriction is connected between a fluid inlet and outlet. A frustum is disposed in the flow passage between the inlet and the restriction. The frustum has a base facing away from the restriction, and an apex facing toward the restriction. The inlet is transverse to the axis of the flow passage and positioned so the base and a portion only of the frustum are directly exposed to the inlet. The frustum is mounted on a rod extending through the flow passage. In one embodiment, a sphere is mounted on the end of the rod beyond the outlet. The rod may be hollow and have holes near the restriction for the purpose of liquid feed.