Valve Screen and Annular Cavity Structure for Flow Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valves in industrial applications generate significant audible noise due to fluid flow, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a perforated screen with a pattern of apertures and annular cavities within the valve body to disperse sound waves, aligning the screen and cavities concentrically with the flow direction to attenuate noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional valve structure is used, then the valve can control fluid flow, but significant audible noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a perforated screen with multiple apertures positioned within the valve body to disrupt and disperse sound waves generated by fluid flow. This porous structure allows the screen to attenuate noise while maintaining fluid flow control, directly addressing the noise issue without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The noise reduction is achieved by dividing the sound wave disruption into multiple segments: the perforated screen creates multiple dispersion points, and annular cavities spaced along the flow direction provide additional noise attenuation zones. This segmented approach reduces noise progressively without creating a single complex noise-blocking component
Solution Approach 3:
The perforated screen acts as an intermediary element between the fluid flow path and the surrounding valve structure. It mediates the interaction between flowing fluid and valve walls by dispersing sound waves before they can propagate, reducing noise transmission while allowing continuous fluid flow
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction features are added to the valve, then audible noise is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The perforated screen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a noise reduction element by dispersing sound waves, and it can also function as a flow control component working with the trim. The annular cavities provide both noise attenuation and potential flow guidance. This multi-functionality reduces noise without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The noise reduction features are nested within the existing valve body structure. The perforated screen is positioned inside the valve body along the flow path, and annular cavities are formed within the valve body walls. This nesting approach integrates noise reduction into the existing valve geometry rather than adding external components
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
Significantly reduces audible noise by disrupting and dispersing sound waves, effectively dampening high noise levels associated with fluid flow through the valve.
Implementation Method 1
a screen positioned within the inner cavity, the screen at least partially surrounded by the annular cavities and including a pattern of apertures to disperse sound waves generated when the fluid moves therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to reduce noise in valve. An example valve includes a valve body defining an inner cavity that fluidly couples an inlet of the valve and an outlet of the valve, the inner cavity having an inner wall with annular cavities spaced apart from one another along a direction of flow of the valve body, a trim to vary a degree of flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet, and a screen positioned within the inner cavity, the screen at least partially surrounded by the annular cavities and including a pattern of apertures to disperse sound waves generated when the fluid moves therethrough.