Sound Pressure Feedback via Wall Vibration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting sound pressure levels in process control systems, such as those involving gaseous fluid flow in pipelines, are costly and inefficient, particularly when using free field microphones and pressure transducers, and existing noise prediction standards like the IEC method are limited to single-frequency calculations and unsuitable for general piping system noise predictions.
Innovation Solution
Measuring wall vibration velocity response using accelerometers and applying a radiation model to predict externally radiated sound pressure levels, which are then used in a transmission loss model to calculate internal sound pressure levels over a frequency range, allowing for accurate control of process noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If free field microphones and pressure transducers are used to measure sound pressure levels, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses accelerometers to measure wall vibrations as a proxy for internal sound pressure levels. Instead of directly measuring acoustic pressure with complex transducers, the system copies the effect by measuring the mechanical vibration of the pipe wall, which correlates to the internal acoustic field. This simplifies the measurement system while maintaining predictive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces acoustic measurement devices (microphones and pressure transducers) with mechanical vibration sensors (accelerometers). By substituting the measurement mechanism from acoustic to mechanical domain, the system achieves comparable information with simpler, more robust sensors that don't require complex installation procedures.
2Measurement precision
If pressure transducers are installed inside pipe walls, then internal sound pressure measurement is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing sensors inside the pipe wall to directly measure internal pressure, the patent measures external wall vibrations and uses transmission loss models to infer internal sound pressure levels. This copying approach eliminates the need for intrusive installation while maintaining measurement capability through mathematical modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transmission loss models and radiation models as intermediaries between the easily measurable external wall vibrations and the desired internal sound pressure information. These models act as mediators that translate external mechanical measurements into internal acoustic predictions without requiring direct internal sensing.
3Ease of operation
If IEC method is used for noise prediction, then single-frequency noise calculation is simplified, but general piping system noise prediction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static single-frequency calculations (IEC method) to dynamic multi-frequency analysis. By using accelerometers that capture vibration spectra across a range of frequencies and applying transmission loss models at multiple frequencies, the system adapts to predict noise across the entire operating frequency range rather than at a single fixed frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from single-frequency sound pressure level to multi-frequency spectral analysis. By measuring wall vibrations across a frequency spectrum and applying frequency-dependent transmission loss models, the system captures the full frequency content of noise generation, enabling versatile predictions for different operating conditions and frequency ranges.
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
This method provides accurate prediction of internal sound pressure levels over a frequency range, reducing costs by eliminating the need for expensive microphone installations and enabling effective noise control in process control systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a wall vibration velocity response of the flow passage
Implementation Method 2
applying a radiation model to predict an externally radiated sound pressure level
Implementation Method 3
used in a transmission loss model to predict the internal sound pressure level
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for predicting internal sound pressure within a flow passage, by measuring a vibration velocity response of a wall of the flow passage, for example, using accelerometers. A radiation model may then be used for predicting externally radiated sound pressure to provide feedback to control a process control system. Methods and systems are also provided for predicting externally radiated sound pressure based on internally-mounted pressure transducer sensor data.