Matched Impedance to Control Fluid Transients

A methodology for the use of passive elements for transient control in pipelines is outlined. The specific objective is the elimination of pressure fluctuations in a fuel delivery line that are created by fuel injector operation. This is accomplished by the appropriate sizing of resistance elements upstream and downstream of the fuel injection system in the delivery line such that no pressure wave reflections occur in the system. The concept of matching the resistance element to the characteristic impedance of the fuel delivery system is described and applied to orifice and laminar flow elements. Experimental evidence is presented to validate the concepts.