Limiting valve noise in gas metering, reducing stations
- Neles-Jamesbury, Worcester, MA (United States)
There are three general reasons why valve noise should be a concern. First, workplace noise can result in gradual, job-related hearing loss to employees over a period of years. Second, communities often have restrictions on acceptable levels, hours during which noise can occur, and factors like duration and frequency of noise. Last, extremely high noise levels can cause serious damage, failure and malfunction to valves, piping and related equipment. Special low noise valves make less noise than conventional valves. They use one of three design strategies: multipath--splitting the flow into many small orifices; multistage--splitting the pressure drop into a series of smaller steps; and multipath/multistage combined in a single unit. Another approach to reducing noise generation involves placing carefully sized static restrictors in the pipeline. The restrictor absorbs a portion of the system pressure drop, so the valve`s share of the drop is lowered. While the restrictor and valve both make noise, the net sound level is reduced. Another approach is to allow the noise to happen, then hide it. Some methods include: pipe insulation, thermal or acoustic; heavy wall pipe; buried valves; silences; and sound enclosures. These approaches can work in some cases, but caution must be used. The major drawback with all these approaches is that the damage potential associated with extreme noise, turbulence, and vibration still exists at some locations in the system.
- OSTI ID:
- 390298
- Journal Information:
- Pipeline and Gas Journal, Vol. 223, Issue 7; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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