Fractal Throttle Element Openings for Process Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing throttling elements in process plants produce significant noise emissions during fluid flow, which is a known issue in process engineering plants.
Innovation Solution
The throttling element is designed with fractal-contoured flow openings, specifically in the form of Koch snowflake curves, and is manufactured using additive manufacturing processes, ensuring even distribution across the throttle body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional flow openings (round, square, oblong holes with straight or helical path) are used in the throttling element, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but significant noise emissions occur during fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using fractal contours (specifically Koch snowflake curves) for the flow openings instead of conventional symmetric shapes like round or square holes. The fractal geometry creates an asymmetric, self-similar path that reduces turbulence and noise emissions while maintaining manufacturability through additive manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature principles by using smooth, continuous fractal curves (Koch snowflake curves) instead of straight edges or sharp corners. The curved fractal path guides fluid flow more smoothly through the throttling element, reducing turbulence-induced noise while maintaining the compact structure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fractal-contoured flow openings (Koch snowflake curves) are used in the throttling element, then noise emissions are significantly reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing additive manufacturing technology to produce fractal contours that would be impossible or extremely difficult to create with conventional manufacturing methods. The fractal geometry parameters (iteration levels, curve complexity) can be adjusted digitally before manufacturing, allowing optimization of noise reduction performance without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical manufacturing processes with additive manufacturing (3D printing). This substitution enables the creation of fractal contours through digital modeling and layer-by-layer material deposition, significantly reducing the manufacturing complexity that would otherwise be associated with creating such intricate geometries using traditional machining or molding methods.
3Reliability
If traditional throttling element designs are used, then the structure is conventional and well-understood, but wear occurs during operation reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow path into multiple fractal contours within each flow opening. This segmentation creates numerous small-scale flow paths that distribute the fluid flow more evenly, reducing localized wear and erosion on the throttling element surfaces, thereby extending service life and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved fractal contours instead of straight edges or sharp corners in the flow openings. These curved paths reduce flow separation and turbulence, minimizing erosive wear on the throttling element surfaces. The smooth fractal geometry distributes mechanical stresses more evenly, reducing wear and extending the operational life of the component.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a throttle element (10) for reducing the pressure of a process fluid, comprising a throttle body having a plurality of through-flow openings (12) through which the process fluid can flow. The invention is characterised in that the through-flow openings (12) are designed to have a fractal contour.