Volume Booster Exhaust Trim for Noise and Diaphragm Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional volume boosters in fluid flow control systems are susceptible to flow-induced noise, which can lead to diaphragm pressure reversal and premature failure due to the location of noise attenuators downstream of the discharge port, where pressure differentials are greatest and fluid velocities are highest.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a diaphragm assembly with a manifold and outer cylinder portion that maintains a predetermined separation between diaphragms, featuring multiple passageways to distribute fluid flow and reduce jet interaction, and an upstream noise attenuation mechanism to minimize pressure reversal and aerodynamic noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If noise attenuators are located downstream of the discharge port, then aerodynamic noise is reduced, but diaphragm pressure reversal occurs and diaphragm lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The noise attenuation function is segmented from the downstream discharge area and relocated to the upstream manifold region. The manifold is designed with multiple internal passages that distribute and attenuate fluid flow noise at the source, rather than attempting to attenuate noise after it has been generated downstream. This segmentation allows noise reduction without exposing diaphragms to pressure reversal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary structure between the fluid supply and the diaphragms. It incorporates multiple internal passages that serve as intermediate flow paths, distributing the fluid flow in a manner that reduces jet interaction and noise generation at the source, while maintaining proper pressure distribution to the diaphragms without causing pressure reversal.
2Speed
If fluid flow velocity is increased to improve response speed, then control valve stroking speed is improved, but flow-induced noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path is segmented into multiple separate passages within the manifold, dividing a single high-velocity jet into multiple lower-velocity streams. This segmentation reduces jet interaction and the resulting aerodynamic noise while maintaining the overall flow rate needed for fast valve response.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold passages are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration that distributes flow in multiple directions and planes. This spatial distribution of flow paths reduces concentrated jet interaction and noise generation while preserving the speed of fluid delivery to the diaphragms for rapid valve actuation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple passageways are added to distribute fluid flow, then jet interaction and noise are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow distribution functions are merged into a single integrated manifold component. The manifold combines multiple passages, distribution channels, and flow attenuation features within one monolithic structure, achieving noise reduction through flow distribution without requiring multiple separate parts or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes fluid flow to multiple passages, attenuates noise through distributed flow paths, maintains proper pressure distribution to diaphragms, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 configuration effectively reduces aerodynamic noise and prevents diaphragm pressure reversal, enhancing the lifespan of the diaphragm assembly and improving the operational stability of the volume booster.
Implementation Method 1
multiple passageways arranged to distribute the fluid flow therethrough to substantially inhibit fluid flow jet interaction
Implementation Method 2
A large, sudden change in the input signal causes a pressure differential to exist between the input signal and the output of the booster. When this occurs, the booster diaphragm moves to open either a supply port or an exhaust port
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid flow control device having a body (44) having a inlet connection (30), an outlet connection (32), a discharge port (36) and a booster module (45) disposed within the body. The booster module including a control element (48) and an actuator element having a noise - reducing trim element with a supply path extending between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. The noise - reducing trim element being coupled immediately adjacent to the discharge port such that the noise - reducing trim element distributes a fluid flow to the discharge port via the exhaust path into a plurality of fluid jets to substantially inhibit jet recombination at the discharge port.