Pump Suction Elbow Flow Conditioning Insert | Flow Optimizer Grated Insert
Duke Energy Marshall Steam Station
Catawba, NC
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Owner: Duke Energy
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Customer: Eastern Industrial Supplies
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Engineer: Burns & McDonnell
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Application: Boiler Feed
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Product: Pump Suction Elbow Insert
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Date: March 2026
Challenge
Flow Optimizers engineered a Pump Suction Elbow Insert designed to stabilize the velocity profile immediately downstream of the elbow.
The insert conditions the flow by:
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Reducing swirl created by the elbow
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Straightening the velocity profile
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Delivering more uniform flow into the pump suction
Solution:
- Move eccentric reducer from pump suction nozzle to upstream location at least as much as HI 9.6.6 recommends
- Conduct physical modeling to confirm
- Model recommended addition of flow straightening grid due to unstable flow patterns in suction piping due to multiple bends and plug valve with rectangular reduced area port opening
Pump suction elbow flow conditioning insert CAD rendering for Duke Energy Marshall Steam Station
Benefits
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Improved pump reliability
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Stabilized suction flow profile
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Reduced hydraulic disturbances after the elbow
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Compact solution that fits inside existing piping
Top view of fabricated pump suction elbow flow conditioning insert with grid vanes
Side view of welded stainless steel flow conditioning insert designed for pump suction elbow
Side profile of pump suction elbow flow conditioning insert fabricated for Duke Energy Marshall Steam Station
Installed pump suction elbow flow conditioning insert at Duke Energy Marshall Steam Station pump system
Flow conditioning insert located in pump suction elbow to stabilize flow entering the pump
Have a similar application?
Flow Optimizers designs custom flow conditioning solutions to improve pump suction hydraulics, stabilize velocity profiles, and ensure reliable system performance.
Contact us to discuss your project or request a design review.
