Pressure Regulator Noise Attenuator Layout to Prevent Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure regulators in fluid distribution systems often produce significant audible noise due to pressure drops, which existing noise-reduction devices fail to adequately attenuate, leading to high noise levels exceeding 85 decibels.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus positions noise attenuators in a fluid passageway with fasteners extending between them to provide structural support, preventing deformation and enhancing noise attenuation, and includes an annular ring to fix the attenuators in place, ensuring effective noise reduction by dissipating energy through a tapered passageway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If noise-reduction devices are installed in pressure regulators, then noise attenuation is improved, but the devices deform under fluid pressure causing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-reduction device is divided into multiple segments or sections along the fluid passageway. Each segment is independently supported by the passageway wall, preventing any single segment from bearing the full fluid pressure load. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress and prevents deformation failure while maintaining noise attenuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The passageway wall acts as an intermediary structural element between the fluid pressure and the noise-reduction device. The wall provides direct support to the device, mediating the load transfer and preventing the device from deforming under pressure. This intermediary support structure allows the device to function without failing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing noise-reduction devices are used, then some noise reduction is achieved, but noise levels remain above 85 decibels
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-reduction device is segmented into multiple sections that work together to progressively attenuate noise. Each segment contributes to noise reduction, and their combined effect achieves the target of reducing noise to below 85 decibels, which single existing devices fail to accomplish.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes changes in fluid pressure parameters along the passageway to enhance noise attenuation. By positioning segments at different locations where pressure varies, the device leverages pressure-dependent noise generation characteristics to achieve superior noise reduction performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If noise attenuators are positioned in the fluid passageway, then noise attenuation is improved, but flow rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-reduction device is positioned specifically in regions of the passageway where noise generation is most problematic, rather than uniformly throughout. This localized placement optimizes noise attenuation while minimizing interference with overall flow rate, as the device only affects flow in the specific high-noise zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The device exploits local variations in fluid parameters (pressure, velocity) along the passageway to achieve noise reduction with minimal flow impact. By positioning attenuators where pressure gradients favor noise generation, the system maximizes noise attenuation efficiency while maintaining acceptable flow rates.
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 solution reduces noise levels by up to 25 decibels and achieves a 40% reduction in flow rate coefficient, maintaining noise attenuation and preventing attenuator failure by distributing stress evenly.
Implementation Method 1
achieves a 40% reduction in flow rate coefficient, maintaining noise attenuation and preventing attenuator failure by distributing stress evenly
Data Source
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AI summary
Noise attenuation apparatus (300) for pressure regulators are disclosed. An example apparatus (300) includes a first noise attenuator (312) disposed at a first position in a fluid passageway of a pressure regulator and a second noise attenuator (314) disposed at a second position in the fluid passageway. The second position is spaced apart from the first position along the fluid passageway. The example apparatus (300) also includes fasteners (328) extending between the first noise attenuator (312) and the second noise attenuator (314) to position the first noise attenuator (312) at the first position and the second noise attenuator 314 at the second position. The fasteners (328) are to couple to peripheral portions of the noise attenuators (312, 314).