Ball Valve Noise Attenuation Trim for Fluid Expansion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control devices, such as quarter-turn valves, experience unwanted noise and vibrations due to fluid expansion, and existing noise abatement solutions often have suboptimal designs with large clearances that allow uncontrolled fluid expansion.
Innovation Solution
A noise attenuation assembly for ball valves is introduced, featuring a flow control body and a trim with a plurality of channels that control fluid expansion, and a noise attenuator with a geometrically similar inlet profile to the ball valve, which is securely positioned relative to the flow control body to minimize clearances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional flow control devices are used, then fluid flow regulation is achieved, but unwanted noise and vibrations are generated due to uncontrolled fluid expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into functional zones: a flow control body for flow regulation and a separate trim body containing noise attenuation channels. This segmentation allows the noise control function to be integrated without complicating the overall valve structure, as the trim body acts as a distinct module that manages fluid expansion separately from the flow control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim body with noise attenuation channels is nested within the valve body, and the flow control body is positioned within the trim body. This nested arrangement integrates noise control functionality into the existing valve structure without requiring additional external components, thereby reducing device complexity while effectively managing fluid expansion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing noise abatement solutions are used, then some noise reduction is achieved, but large clearances allow uncontrolled fluid expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The trim body incorporates localized channels at specific positions where fluid expansion occurs, creating targeted noise attenuation zones. These channels are strategically positioned to intercept and control expanding fluid, providing effective noise reduction without requiring uniform clearance control throughout the entire valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim body acts as an intermediary structure between the flow control body and the valve body. It introduces controlled pathways (channels) that mediate fluid expansion, transforming uncontrolled expansion into directed flow through the channels. This intermediary approach enables precise control of fluid behavior without requiring tight clearances between major components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the attenuator is securely positioned relative to the flow control body, then noise attenuation is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim body and flow control body are designed to be pre-aligned and secured together as an integrated assembly. By merging these components into a unified structure with built-in alignment features, the patent eliminates the need for complex post-assembly adjustments, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring secure positioning for effective noise attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment and securing of the flow control body to the trim body is performed as a preliminary action during manufacturing, before installation into the valve. This preliminary assembly ensures precise positioning and secure attachment, simplifying the final installation process and reducing assembly complexity at the installation site while guaranteeing effective noise attenuation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The noise attenuation assembly effectively reduces noise associated with fluid expansion by controlling the expansion through the channels in the trim, providing improved noise abatement compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
As fluid flows through certain flow control devices, such as quarter-turn valves, for example, the fluid can expand and produce unwanted noise and vibrations. It may be generally useful to manage or control the fluid expansion within a valve body to provide noise abatement.
Implementation Method 2
The attenuator can be secured relative to the ball body within the fluid pathway so that fluid flow through the ball valve passes through the plurality of channels to reduce noise associated with fluid expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve, such as a ball valve, can include a noise attenuation assembly to control fluid expansion through the valve and provide noise abatement. The valve can include a valve body and a valve stem and the noise attenuation assembly can include a flow control body and a trim body. The flow control body can be coupled to the valve stem and the flow control body can be configured to selectively permit fluid flow through the valve body in an axial direction. The trim body can include a plurality of channels to control fluid expansion during fluid flow through the valve body. The trim body can be engaged with the flow control body at first and second mounting structures of the flow control body to secure the trim within a fluid pathway of the flow control body.