Controlling noise on a safety valve

Abstract

A muffler configured for use with a pressure relief valve. These configurations incorporate flow-reducing or disrupting features capable of reducing or suppressing noise in high velocity fluid flow. These features can take a geometry with a shape that is inserted into the high velocity flow to cause a change in the flow pattern exiting the device. These patterns can create an intermediate layer of slower moving fluid around the high velocity fluid flow. These intermediate layers suppress the typical sound waves of aerodynamic noise. Embodiments can employ a design that fits onto a pressure relief valve or other flow control within the specific bounds or predetermined envelope that an operator has for their equipment within their distribution network. In power plants and other facilities that have high velocity steam (or generally gas or fluid) flow, the device can suppress or attenuate noise without the need for large, complex mufflers.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Fail-safe devices prevent a rapid increase in pressure. These devices, also known as safety valves or pressure relief valves, are necessary to prevent overpressure conditions that could damage parts of equipment or facilities. It is common for safety valves to generate significant noise during operation when using fluids that escape from the device at very high rates. This can result in pneumatic noise levels exceeding 140 dBA, or at least exceeding the set limits necessary to provide a safe working environment for technicians and other workers at the facility. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The subject of this disclosure relates to improvements to safety valves to attenuate such noise to a safe and acceptable level. Of particular interest are embodiments capable of modifying high-speed fluid flows (such as steam jets) exiting the device. Embodiments may position flow dissipation elements within the flow. These elements may have geometries or other characteristics capable of influencing flow changes to effectively suppress aerodynamic noise. Attached Figure Description

[0003] This instruction manual refers to the following figures:

[0004] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a silencer is shown, which is shown positioned on a safety valve;

[0005] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of a muffler;

[0006] Figure 3 It shows from Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of an example of a muffler, viewed from the front;

[0007] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A front view of the muffler as seen from the side;

[0008] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A front view of the cross-section of the muffler;

[0009] Figure 6 It shows from Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the rear of another example of a muffler;

[0010] Figure 7 It shows from Figure 6 A front view of the cross-section of the muffler as seen from the back.

[0011] Figure 8 It shows from Figure 6A front view of the cross-section of the muffler as seen from the side;

[0012] Figure 9 It shows from Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the rear of another example of a muffler;

[0013] Figure 10 It shows from Figure 9 A front view of the cross-section of the muffler as seen from the side;

[0014] Figure 11 It shows from Figure 9 A front view of the cross-section of the muffler as seen from the side;

[0015] Figure 12 It shows from Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the rear of another example of a muffler;

[0016] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 A front view of the back of the muffler;

[0017] Figure 14 It shows from Figure 12 A front view of the cross-section of the muffler as seen from the side; and

[0018] Figure 15 A perspective view of an example safety valve is shown.

[0019] The accompanying drawings and any descriptions herein represent examples that disclose or explain the invention. These examples include best practices and also enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any combined methods. Unless otherwise stated in the discussion, the drawings are not drawn to scale. Elements in the examples may appear in one or more views or in a combination of views. The same reference numerals may be used in the drawings to denote the same or corresponding elements. The methods are merely exemplary and may be modified by, for example, reordering, adding, deleting, and / or changing individual steps or stages. Such stages and any parts, components, elements, or functions may be identified in the singular form of the words “a” or “an” in this specification; however, this does not exclude any plural form of such names unless such exclusion is expressly stated or indicated in the specification. Furthermore, any reference to “an embodiment” or “a specific embodiment” does not exclude the existence of additional embodiments or specific embodiments also incorporating the described features. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Features of the examples shown in the above figures will now be discussed. These features eliminate the need for large, bulky "silencers" that manufacturers might provide to operators as a means of limiting excessive noise. Silencers are typically complex systems that house baffles, chambers, or perforated "silencers" within "refrigerator-sized" devices. These systems tend to extend the working envelope of the safety valve multiple times within the operator's facility. On the other hand, this disclosure proposes designs for these silencers that are a fraction of the original size. These designs can utilize elements capable of influencing flow changes in high-speed fluid jets to reduce or suppress noise. Other embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a silencer 100 is shown. This embodiment is part of a distribution network 102, which is generally designed to transport material 104 through a network of conduits 106. In one specific embodiment, the silencer 100 may be coupled to a safety valve 108, which may be integrated into the network 102. The safety valve 108 may include a valve body 110 having an inlet 112 and an outlet 114. A valve mechanism 116 may reside in the valve body 110 to regulate the flow of material 104 from the outlet 114. The valve mechanism 116 may include a closing member 118 and a support 120. A preload unit 122 may generate a load L on the closing member 118. As shown, the silencer 100 may include an airflow blocking device 124 coupled to the outlet 114.

[0022] In a broader sense, silencer 100 can be configured to reduce or suppress noise. These configurations can be embodied in devices operating on high-speed flow (e.g., high-speed steam or steam jets commonly found in power plants or similar industrial facilities). The devices can employ geometries capable of influencing flow variations to reduce or attenuate noise to a safe level for workers and technicians operating in these facilities (e.g., less than 100 dBA). The resulting design can be adapted within a working envelope E that is significantly smaller than other “silencers” requiring more complex construction. This feature is advantageous because operators can use silencer 100 without compromising layout constraints within their facility.

[0023] Distribution system 102 can be configured to deliver or move these fluids. These configurations can manifest as large-scale infrastructure. Material 104 may also include gas, liquid, solid-liquid mixture, or liquid-gas mixture. Conduit 106 may include pipes or lines that are often connected to pumps, boilers, etc. Conduit 106 may also be connected to tanks or storage containers. In many facilities, this equipment forms a complex network to perform processes such as refining raw materials or manufacturing products.

[0024] Safety valve 108 can be configured to prevent overpressure conditions in these networks. These configurations can be used in thermo-hydraulic power plants (such as nuclear facilities), where cooling water and steam flow at very high pressures to dissipate heat from a boiler or reactor. However, this disclosure does contemplate that the concepts herein can be applied to similarly positioned devices and systems that handle liquids within ranges of pressure, temperature, or other operating conditions. The valve body 110 in such devices is typically made of cast or machined metal. This construction may form flanges at openings 112, 114. Adjacent conduits 106 may be connected to the flanges to allow material 104 to flow through the device. Typically, valve mechanism 116 can be defaulted to a closed position, where closing member 118 contacts support 120. Suitable construction of components 118, 120 forms a metal-to-metal seal. This feature allows safety valve 108 to operate under extreme temperatures or pressures, as well as with corrosive or hazardous materials.

[0025] The preload unit 122 can be configured to maintain a metal-to-metal seal even under high pressure upstream of the closing member 118. These configurations compress a spring (or, for example, an elastic member) by a certain amount, producing the spring force F necessary to achieve the load L. S The safety valve 108 is held in its closed position to prevent material from flowing through the support 120. Pressure downstream of the closing member 118 exceeding the load L can compress the compression spring, causing the closing member 118 to move away from the support 120. Material 104 will then flow through the support 120 in this open position and exit from the outlet 114. The safety valve 100 remains open until the pressure downstream of the closing member 118 drops below the load L, allowing the spring to return to its previous closed position.

[0026] Airflow blocking device 124 can be configured to intercept the flow exiting from outlet 114. These configurations can be embodied as devices capable of influencing flow dynamics to suppress noise. The device can be combined with features that block or deflect the flow, for example, to change all or part of the flow direction. Additive manufacturing techniques (such as “3D printing”) can also be used to expand the breadth of geometries available for this design. Providing features with angles, curves, shapes, bends, or other shapes (and combinations of shapes) may prove useful, for example, as it can modify flow patterns or conditions to achieve acceptable noise levels in service. Airflow blocking device 124 (including its features discussed herein) can be caused by these additive manufacturing techniques. In one specific embodiment, these features can be integrally or monolithically formed with other parts of silencer 100 to form a single integral part.

[0027] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A schematic diagram of an example of a muffler 100. The airflow blocking device 124 may have a body 126, preferably cylindrical, with ends 128, 130 and an axis C. The cylindrical body 126 may have a through-hole 132 extending along the axis C between the ends 128, 130. A first portion 134 of the body 126 may have a threaded outer surface 136 extending a distance D1 from the first end 128. Pipe threads may be present on this surface for connecting the cylindrical body 126 to a corresponding threaded connection on a pipe 106 attached to a flange outlet 114. The pipe 106 may be coiled or bent to accommodate spatial constraints as needed. In one embodiment, the cylindrical body 126 may be directly attached to the valve body 110. As noted, this disclosure also contemplates that the muffler 100 may be integrally formed with the valve body 110, as may be achieved through the use of 3D printing or other suitable construction techniques.

[0028] The other end 130 of the main body 126 can be configured to dissipate noise. These configurations may include a second portion 138 of the flow-blocking feature 140, which may be retained or extended into the material flow as the flow F of material 104 passes through the airflow blocking device 124 from the first end 128 or "inlet" to the second end 130 or "outlet." In one embodiment, the flow-blocking feature 140 may be configured to alter the characteristics of the flow F, for example, between the characteristics of the inlet flow F1 and the outlet flow F2. These alterations can reduce or suppress the noise of the flow F2 as it exits the outlet 130, bringing it to a level acceptable and safe for workers near the device.

[0029] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Showing the target Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary structure of the silencer 100. The flow blocking feature 140 may include an element 142 extending longitudinally away from the outlet 130 of the body 126. The element 142 may be externally oriented along an axis C, wherein adjacent elements are circumferentially spaced apart from each other by a distance D2. The element 142 may have a geometry that influences the characteristic changes of the flow F, for example, to suppress noise when the flow F exits from the outlet 130 of the airflow blocking device 124. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As best shown, this geometry can be V-shaped or V-shaped, but other shapes are also possible. The V-shaped portion 142 can have a root 144 connected to the body 126, for example, integrally formed with the body 126. The V-shaped portion 142 can bend or curl inward toward the axis C, terminating at a tip 146 residing in the flow F1. This geometry can modify the characteristics of the flow F2 discharge device. For example, the geometry can cause the flow F2 to form a turbulent boundary layer B just downstream of the outlet 130. LMixing in the middle. The turbulent boundary layer B L It can reduce the high-speed steam jet F H The amplitude of the sound waves generated when it exits the device is due to the turbulent boundary layer B. L High-speed steam jet F H Stagnant air was found downstream of outlet 130. T Separation. This feature reduces the pressure gradient typically found on these layers.

[0030] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Other exemplary structures of the muffler 100. Element 142 may include a blade 148 externally circumscribed on axis C within the through-hole 132. Blade 148 may have a top 150 and a bottom 152. Top 150 may be coupled to body 126. Welding or adhesives may be used for this purpose; however, a manufacturing technique, such as additive manufacturing, in which blade 148 is integrally formed with body 126 is preferred. Blade 148 may extend inward (into the through-hole 132) to position bottom 152 closer to axis C. Figure 7 As best shown in the cross-section, the bottom 152 of the blade 148 can be connected to the inner tube 154, which has a central bore 156 concentric with the axis C. This structure forms a pair of flow paths 158, 160. The inner flow path 158 follows the central bore 156. On the other hand, the outer flow path 160 may include a plurality of channels 162, which are defined on both sides by adjacent blades 148.

[0031] Figure 8 It shows from Figure 6 The structure is viewed from the side as a cross-sectional front view. The inner tube 154 can extend a distance D3 within the through-hole 132. The blade 148 can be embodied as an airfoil 164 having a leading edge 166 and a trailing edge 168. The leading edge 166 can reside at the end of the inner tube 154. The trailing edge 168 can reside at the outlet 130. The design may include a guide vane 170 aligned with the leading edge 166. The device can be constructed so that these parts are integrally formed as a single, integral, or single element. As shown, the airfoil 164 can be bent or curled along its length from the leading edge 166 to the trailing edge 168. This geometry can form a channel 162, which in turn can radially guide the flow F from the upstream side of the channel 162 to the downstream side of the channel 162 (at the outlet 130). In use, the first portion of the high-speed steam jet from the outlet 114 of valve 108 exits through the central hole 156 of the inner tube 154. The second part of the high-speed steam jet will enter channel 162, which will form an external high-speed steam jet F. H eddy outer boundary layer B L (or "turbulent boundary layer B")L The outer boundary layer B of the eddy. L It can reduce the high-speed steam jet F H The amplitude of the sound wave formed (through inner tube 154) is due to its ability to propel the high-speed steam jet F H Stagnant air was found downstream of outlet 130. T Separation. This feature reduces the pressure gradient typically found on these layers.

[0032] Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 It also shows the target Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary structure of the muffler 100. The blade 148 may take the form of a linear or “straight” member 172. This shape factor may have a bifurcated or two-part structure, shown here as having portions 174, 176 spaced apart from each other by a gap G; however, this disclosure does contemplate structures with more than two portions (or as a single portion) of the linear member 172. The first or proximal portion 174 may be coupled to the guide vane 170. The second or distal portion 176 may include a groove 178 on its leading edge or flow-facing edge. Figure 11 As best shown, the inner tube 154 may include a contraction section 180, such as a portion of the inner tube 154 whose outer diameter D4 varies or changes along the axis C. The contraction section 180 may be configured with a value for the outer diameter D4 that first reduces the height H of the channel 162 and then increases the height H of the channel 162 in the flow direction F along the axis C. This design can be used for high-speed steam jets entering the inlet 128 of the device at supersonic speeds (where F1 > Mach number 1). In one specific embodiment, the contraction section 180 may slow the flow through the channel 162 to a subsonic speed before exiting at the outlet 130 of the device. This subsonic outer boundary layer B L It can reduce the high-speed steam jet F H The amplitude of the sound wave (formed through inner tube 154) is due to the boundary layer B of the slower-moving material. L This boundary layer will cause the high-speed steam jet F H Stagnant air was found downstream of outlet 130. T Separation.

[0033] Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 Showing the target Figure 1 and Figure 2Another exemplary structure of the silencer 100. The linear member 172 can be embodied as a single piece extending along the length of the inner tube 154. The second portion 138 of the body 126 can adopt a geometry similar to a bell shape 182, with its diameter increasing from a first diameter at or near the first portion 134 to a second diameter at the outlet 130. This geometry can increase the height H of the channel 162 along the axis C. This design can be used for high-speed steam jets (where F1 < Mach number 1) entering the inlet 128 of the device at subsonic flow rates. The channel 162 can cause flow expansion of the incoming high-speed steam jet F1. Subsonic outer boundary layer B L It can reduce the high-speed steam jet F H The amplitude of the sound wave formed (through inner tube 154) is due to the slower-moving boundary layer B. L High-speed steam jet F H Stagnant air was found downstream of outlet 130. T Separation.

[0034] Figure 15 Showing the target Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the structure of the safety valve 108. The structure may include a body 184 forming a robust fluid connection 186 with a pair of openings (e.g., a first opening 188 and a second opening 190). The fluid connection 186 may be configured to handle the pressure of hot or cold fluids. These configurations may have a structure typically made of cast, forged, or machined metal to form a flow path for fluid to flow between pipes P1 and P2. Flanges 192 (or other fittings) at openings 188 and 190 may be fitted onto the fluid connection 186 to connect to pipes P1 and P2. Fasteners such as bolts may be used to ensure a secure connection. The structure may also have a valve cover 192 with a structural member 194 attached to the fluid connection 186. The structural member 194 may have various configurations. A mechanical actuator 196 may reside on top of the valve cover 192. The mechanical actuator 196 may be coupled to a preload unit 122 to preload a compression spring 198.

[0035] In light of the foregoing, operators of power plants and similar facilities can benefit from using the embodiments described herein to reduce noise from high-speed steam jets exiting safety valves or other flow control elements. These embodiments can be adapted to pre-existing constraints (such as envelope E) present in these facilities and preclude the use of other “silencer” designs. Therefore, operators can enjoy the benefits of design-driven noise reduction or attenuation without compromising these functionalities to meet the adaptation requirements of larger, more complex installations.

[0036] This specification may include and envision other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they comprise equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A muffler, the muffler comprising: A body having a first end, a second end, and a hole extending between the first end and the second end, the hole having a longitudinal axis, the body comprising: The first part is configured to attach the first end to a pressure relief valve to receive fluid flow into the orifice, and The second part includes a flow-blocking feature extending into the flow, the flow-blocking feature being configured to alter the characteristics of the flow, such as between an inlet flow at the first end of the body and an outlet flow exiting from the orifice at the second end of the body.

2. The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the flow blocking feature extends from the second end into the flow.

3. The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the flow blocking feature includes a V-shaped portion disposed around the longitudinal axis.

4. The muffler according to claim 1, wherein the flow blocking feature includes a V-shaped portion disposed around the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped portion being bent inward toward the longitudinal axis.

5. The muffler according to claim 1, wherein the flow blocking feature includes a blade disposed inside the hole.

6. The muffler of claim 1, wherein the flow blocking feature includes blades externally connected to the longitudinal axis inside the hole, each blade extending toward the longitudinal axis.

7. The muffler of claim 1, wherein the flow blocking feature comprises a blade having a top and a bottom, the top being coupled to the body inside the hole, and the bottom being positioned closer to the longitudinal axis than the top.

8. The muffler according to claim 1, further comprising: An inner tube, which is disposed in the hole and arranged concentrically with the longitudinal axis, The flow blocking feature includes a blade inside the hole, the blade being attached to the body at a first end and to the tube at a second end.

9. The muffler according to claim 1, further comprising: An inner tube, wherein the inner tube is disposed in the hole and arranged concentrically with the longitudinal axis, and A flow guide plate is disposed at one end of the pipe. The flow-blocking feature includes a blade inside the orifice, the blade being attached to the body at a first end and to the tube at a second end. The deflector is aligned with the blade.

10. The muffler according to claim 1, further comprising: An inner tube, which is disposed in the hole and arranged concentrically with the longitudinal axis, The flow blocking feature includes an airfoil that forms a channel between the body and the inner tube.

11. The muffler according to claim 1, further comprising: An inner tube is disposed in the hole and arranged concentrically with the longitudinal axis, the inner tube having an outer diameter that varies along the longitudinal axis.

12. The muffler according to claim 1, further comprising: An inner tube, disposed within the hole and arranged concentrically with the longitudinal axis, the inner tube having an outer diameter varying along the longitudinal axis to form a contraction section with the body. The flow blocking feature includes a blade that extends along the length of the inner tube and has a first portion and a second portion, each of which is disposed on either side of the contraction section.

13. The muffler of claim 1, wherein the body is formed in a bell shape at the second end, and wherein the flow blocking feature includes blades extending along the length of the inner tube.

14. The muffler according to claim 1, further comprising: An inner tube, which is disposed in the hole and arranged concentrically with the longitudinal axis, The main body forms a bell shape around the inner tube, and The flow blocking feature includes blades extending along the length of the inner tube.

15. A pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve comprising: Valve body, the valve body having an inlet and an outlet; A silencer, connected to the outlet, comprising: The body has a hole forming a first opening, a second opening, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first opening and the second opening. A flow blocking device, which is connected to the main body. The flow blocking device is configured to alter the characteristics of the flow in order to reduce noise between a first flow entering the orifice through the first opening from the outlet of the valve body and a second flow exiting the orifice through the second opening.

16. The pressure relief valve of claim 15, wherein the flow blocking device comprises a blade extending into the orifice.

17. The pressure relief valve of claim 15, wherein the flow blocking device includes an airfoil extending into the orifice.

18. The pressure relief valve of claim 15, wherein the flow blocking device comprises an inner tube disposed in the orifice and concentric with the longitudinal axis.

19. The pressure relief valve of claim 15, wherein the flow blocking device comprises an inner tube disposed in the orifice and concentric with the longitudinal axis, and wherein the inner tube has a varying outer diameter to form a contraction section with the body.

20. The pressure relief valve of claim 15, wherein the flow blocking device includes an inner tube disposed in the orifice and concentric with the longitudinal axis, and wherein the body forms a bell shape around the inner tube.

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