Control Valve Trim Assembly With Elongated Passages for Noise Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional control valve trim assemblies face limitations in implementing multiple noise attenuation principles due to manufacturing constraints, primarily requiring large outer diameters and radially plane geometry, which restricts effective noise reduction and fluid flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The development of a control valve trim assembly with a solid, one-piece unitary body featuring a plenum and elongated fluid passages, allowing for improved noise attenuation through additive manufacturing techniques, which enables more complex geometries and increased staging, reducing noise and maintaining efficient fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional drilling techniques are used to form passages through the trim assembly, then manufacturing is simpler, but noise attenuation capability is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trim assembly is segmented into multiple functional zones including a plenum chamber and multiple staged passages (first passages, second passages, third passages). This segmentation allows the fluid flow to be divided and controlled through different path lengths and configurations, enabling sophisticated noise attenuation through pressure equalization and flow staging while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional radially plane geometry to a three-dimensional configuration with elongated passages extending through the trim assembly body. The passages are configured with varying lengths and orientations in multiple dimensions, creating staged pressure reduction paths that significantly improve noise attenuation while remaining manufacturable
2Object-generated harmful factors
If large outer diameter trim assemblies are used to implement multiple noise attenuation principles, then noise reduction improves, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim assembly features a nested configuration where the plenum chamber is positioned within the trim assembly body, and multiple passages are arranged concentrically and in series. The first passages, second passages, and third passages are nested within each other, allowing complex noise attenuation functionality to be achieved within a compact outer diameter
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing outer diameter, the invention utilizes the longitudinal dimension by creating elongated passages that extend through the trim assembly. The staged passages are arranged in series along the flow path, providing extended noise attenuation capability without increasing the radial footprint
3Ease of manufacture
If radially plane geometry is used for trim assembly passages, then manufacturing is easier, but noise attenuation and flow characteristics are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention abandons traditional radially plane geometry in favor of three-dimensional elongated passages with varying cross-sections and orientations. The passages extend in multiple directions including axial and radial components, creating staged flow paths that provide superior noise attenuation while remaining manufacturable through conventional techniques
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the trim assembly are assigned different geometric characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The plenum chamber provides a large volume for pressure equalization, while the first, second, and third passages have progressively different configurations to achieve staged pressure reduction. Each local region is optimized for its specific role in 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
This design achieves enhanced noise attenuation and smaller part sizes, providing better flow vs. noise capabilities by utilizing dead-space and elongated passages, resulting in improved pressure drop and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the fluid passages has at least one radially extending portion and at least one longitudinally extending portion
Implementation Method 2
fluid flows from an inlet, passes through a passage between the valve seat and the valve plug, passes through the trim assembly, and exits through an outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve trim assembly has a body having an annular first section and a longitudinally adjacent annular second section and defines an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of first openings are formed in the inner surface of the first section of the body and a plurality of second openings are formed in the outer surface of the first section of the body. Each of the first openings is in fluid communication with a corresponding second opening via a fluid passage formed through the body, which passes through the first section and the second section and each of the fluid passages has at least one radially extending portion and at least one longitudinally extending portion.