Patent Description:
The document <CIT> relates to devices for dampening pressure surges in fluid conduits, and more particularly, devices for absorbing, dampening or minimizing sudden surges or changes in pressure in fluid pipe lines.

The document <CIT> relates to an in-line type fluid hammer prevention device capable of maintaining pressure energy conversion efficiency of elastic cushion for a long time by improving fluid sealing tightness against an elastic cushion by elastic cylindrical diaphragm, wherein an inlet cylindrical connecting body and an outlet connecting body are connected at an intermediate position of fluid channel of a piping system in series, and both ends of a sleeve is positioned between center through-holes, and a cylindrical diaphragm is placed around the outer periphery side of small holes provided on the wall of the sleeve, and inward lip portions at the both ends of the cylindrical diaphragm are pressed and supported by the protrusive flanges and the recessed seats, and an elastic cushion is placed outside the cylindrical diaphragm around the outer periphery side of the small holes of the sleeve.

Noise in fluid systems is a common issue in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Fluid-borne noise may be generated by the action of pumps, valves, and actuators, and just through the turbulent flow of liquids. Commercially available technology uses a pressurized gas bladder, with complex internals, to control noise. This device requires continual maintenance contact to maintain the gas charge; if the bladder fails, the device loses its noise control function. Additionally, the complex internals are costly.

Thus, it would be advantageous to have a fluid noise suppressor that does not have moving parts and reduce the number and cost of replacements or repairs of a fluid noise suppressors device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide systems, devices, and methods to meet the above-stated needs.

According to the present invention there is provided a fluid system according to claim <NUM>.

The fluid noise suppressor includes an outer shell extending for a length of the outer surface of the resilient insert. In some examples, the fluid channel is defined between the outer surface of the resilient insert and an inner surface of the outer shell.

In some examples, the fluid noise suppressor can further include a restraining portion integral to the outer shell and operable to restrain the resilient insert within the outer shell.

In some examples, the resilient insert and the outer shell can be concentrically aligned.

The fluid noise suppressor includes a permeable cage extending along the outer surface of the resilient insert and placed between the outer shell and the resilient insert.

In some examples, the resilient insert can include an inner surface defining therethrough a channel for a fluid flowing along a length of the resilient insert having a mean static pressure.

In some examples, the fluid system can further include an existing length of a fluidic conduit; wherein the fluid noise suppressor can be located between an upstream portion and downstream portion of the existing length of the fluidic conduit; and wherein the upstream portion of the existing length of the fluidic conduit, the fluid noise suppressor, and the downstream portion of the existing length of the fluidic conduit, can be in fluidic communication along the existing length of the portions and fluid noise suppressor.

In some examples, the fluid noise suppressor system can include a fluid inlet connector disposed on an upstream end of the fluid noise suppressor providing both connectivity of the upstream end of the fluid noise suppressor to the upstream portion of the fluidic conduit and to inhibit travel of the resilient insert into the upstream portion of the fluidic conduit; and a fluid outlet connector disposed on a downstream end of the fluid noise suppressor providing both connectivity of the downstream end of the fluid noise suppressor to the downstream portion of the fluidic conduit and to inhibit travel of the resilient insert into the downstream portion of the fluidic conduit.

In some examples, the resilient insert can include a first discrete resilient insert portion and a second discrete resilient insert portion that can be operable to physically abut one another, preventing radial compression of the resilient insert that would lead to ineffective noise reduction.

In some examples, the resilient insert can include an annular cross-section; and wherein each of the discrete resilient insert portion includes a partially annular cross-section.

In some examples, the resilient insert can be segmented axially to form the first discrete resilient insert portion and the second discrete resilient insert portion.

The resilient insert includes a polymeric matrix having a stiffness; and microspheres dispersed within the polymeric matrix; wherein the microspheres are pressurized to a pressure of <NUM> MPa or grater. The stiffness of the polymeric matrix of at least one of the resilient inserts can be different from another of the resilient inserts.

In some examples, each resilient insert portion can include a polymeric matrix having a stiffness; and microspheres dispersed within the polymeric matrix.

The microspheres are pressurized to an internal pressure of <NUM> MPa or greater; and the microspheres can be homogeneously dispersed within the polymeric matrix.

The microspheres are pressurized to an internal pressure of <NUM> MPa or greater; and the microspheres can be heterogeneously dispersed within the polymeric matrix.

A fluid noise suppressor system is disclosed in claim <NUM>.

In some examples, the fluid noise suppressor system can further include a fluid inlet connector disposed on an upstream end of the fluid noise suppressor providing both connectivity of the upstream end of the fluid noise suppressor to the upstream portion of the fluidic conduit and to inhibit travel of the resilient insert into the upstream portion of the fluidic conduit; and a fluid outlet connector disposed on a downstream end of the fluid noise suppressor providing both connectivity of the downstream end of the fluid noise suppressor to the downstream portion of the fluidic conduit and to inhibit travel of the resilient insert into the downstream portion of the fluidic conduit.

In some examples, the permeable tube comprising a flange located on least at one end of the permeable tube and operable to restrain the resilient insert within the outer shell.

In some examples, the fluid noise suppressor system can further include a restraining portion integral to the outer shell and operable to restrain the resilient insert within the outer shell.

In some examples, the fluid noise suppressor system can further include a flange with an outer diameter disposed on an end of the permeable tube; wherein the outer diameter of the flange can be sized to abut an inner surface of the outer shell; and wherein the flange can be operable to restrain the resilient insert within the length of the outer shell.

According to the present invention there is provided a method for manufacturing a fluid noise suppressor according to claim <NUM>.

In some examples, the restraining insert of the fluid noise suppressor can further include a flange with an outer diameter disposed on an end of the permeable tube, wherein the outer diameter of the flange can abut an inner surface of the outer shell, and the flange can be operable to restrain the resilient insert within the length of the outer shell.

In some examples, the restraining insert of the fluid noise suppressor can further include a restraining portion integral to the outer shell operable to restrain the resilient insert within the outer shell.

In some examples, the resilient insert can include a first discrete resilient insert portion and a second discrete resilient insert portion that can be operable to physically abut one another, preventing radial compression of the resilient insert that would lead to ineffective fluid noise reduction.

In some examples, the resilient insert can include an annular cross-section; and wherein each of the discrete resilient insert portion can include a partially annular cross-section.

Other implementations, features, and aspects are disclosed in the appended claims.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying figures and flow diagrams, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Some implementations of the disclosed technology will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosed technology may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth therein as long as it is covered by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. But it is to be understood that implementations of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to "one implementation," "an implementation," "example implementation," "some implementations," "certain implementations," "various implementations," etc., indicate that the implementation(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every implementation necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one implementation" does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, although it may.

Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or. " Further, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

Unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives "first," "second," "third," etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described should be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

<FIG> illustrates a fluid system <NUM>. The fluid system <NUM> can include a fluid noise suppressor 100a, an upstream fluidic conduit 101a (i.e. an upstream portion of a fluidic conduit), and a downstream fluidic conduit 101b (i.e. a downstream portion of a fluidic conduit). The upstream and downstream fluidic conduits 101a, 101b can be plumbing fittings, fixtures, connectors, regulators, valves, and/or piping as known to one of in the art. In example, the fluidic conduits 101a, 101b can be configured to transport fluid at a mean static pressure between about <NUM> psig and <NUM>,<NUM> psig. In some examples, the mean static pressure can be a single value, such as, <NUM> psig. In another example, the mean static pressure can be an interval, such as <NUM> psig to <NUM> psig. In another example, the mean static pressure can be a value within a threshold value, such as, <NUM> psig ± <NUM>%, or <NUM> psig ± <NUM> psig. The fluidic conduits 101a, 101b can be dimensioned, configured, and/or operable to comply with applicable regulatory codes such as codes published by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), or similar regulatory entities. The fluid noise suppressor 100a can include a resilient insert <NUM>, an outer shell <NUM>, a restraining insert <NUM>, a fluid inlet connector <NUM>, a fluid outlet connector <NUM>, an upstream end <NUM>, and a downstream end <NUM>. The fluid noise suppressor 100a can be dimensioned, configured, and/or operable to comply with applicable regulatory codes such as codes published by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), or similar the regulatory entities. Each of the fluid conduits 101a, 101b can be operable to transport a fluid into and/or out of the fluid noise suppressor 100a.

Turning to <FIG>, the resilient insert <NUM> can be operable to dampen a fluctuation of a total pressure about the mean static pressure, providing effective noise reduction that without the resilient insert <NUM>, would have occurred in the flowing fluid with the fluctuation. The mean static pressure is between about <NUM> psig to about <NUM>,<NUM> psig. The resilient insert <NUM> is made of a polymeric matrix having a stiffness. The stiffness of the polymeric matrix can be similar to that of syntactic foam, as would be understood by one of skill in the art. The polymeric matrix can be, for example, a urethane or a silicone rubber. The polymeric matrix includes microspheres dispersed within the polymeric matrix. The microspheres have an internal pressure of <NUM> MPa or greater. The microspheres can be homogenously dispersed throughout the polymeric matrix. The microspheres can be heterogeneously dispersed throughout the polymeric matrix. The resilient insert <NUM> can have cylindrical, cuboid, spherical, patterned and/or asymmetric shape. The resilient insert <NUM> can have an annular, a solid, a honeycomb, and/or a cuboid cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, the cross-section of the resilient insert <NUM> can be asymmetric and/or patterned. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient insert <NUM> can be segmented into two or more discrete resilient insert portions, for example, a first discrete resilient insert portion 102a and a second discrete resilient insert portion 102b. Additionally, the resilient insert <NUM> can have a third discrete resilient insert portion 102e. The first discrete resilient insert portion 102a can physically abut the second resilient insert portion 102b. The resilient insert <NUM> can be segmented in a cross-sectional direction, axial direction, and/or in a diagonal direction. The segments can have curvilinear and/or linear cuts. Additionally or alternatively, the cuts to segment the resilient insert <NUM> into a first discrete resilient insert portion 102a and the second discrete resilient insert portion 102b can be along the outer surface 102c of the resilient insert <NUM>. It may be advantageous to segment the resilient insert <NUM> along the outer surface 102c because the lack of direct connectivity between the first discrete resilient insert portion 102a and the second resilient insert portion 102b may reduce compression in the radial direction of each resilient insert portion 102a, 102b. This is desirable because radial compression can lead to reduced performance of the fluid noise suppressor. Additionally, the resilient insert <NUM> can have a length L.

Additionally or alternatively, each discrete portion can different polymeric matrices, microsphere dispersion, microsphere internal pressures, and/or stiffnesses. It may be advantageous to have a polymeric matrix with dispersed pressurized microspheres because the polymeric matrix can absorb a portion of the pressure fluctuation and convert it into a mechanical displacement of the polymeric matrix. Additionally, the pressurized microspheres further absorb a portion of the pressure fluctuation by compressing under a pressure greater than their internal pressure. Further, common polymeric foam materials may not be mechanically robust enough for use in fluid noise suppressor devices. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient insert <NUM> can include an inner surface 102d, the inner surface 102d can define therethrough a channel <NUM> for a fluid flowing along a length of the resilient insert <NUM>. The resilient insert <NUM> can include at least one opening 102f that connects the outer surface 102c to the inner surface 102d. Additionally or alternatively, the channel <NUM> can have a first opening 102f connecting to the inner surface 102d, which can define a cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the channel <NUM> can have a second opening operable to connect the outer surface 102c to the inner surface 102d. Additionally or alternatively, the outer surface 102c of the resilient insert <NUM> can define a channel between the outer surface 102c and the outer shell <NUM> for a fluid flowing along a length of the resilient insert <NUM>, as will be discussed in detail in <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient insert <NUM> can be concentrically aligned within the outer shell <NUM>. Additionally, the resilient insert <NUM> can have a length L.

Turning to <FIG>, the outer shell <NUM> can have an inner surface 104a and an opening 104b. Additionally or alternatively, the outer shell <NUM> can have a restraining portion 104c integral to the outer shell <NUM> and operable to restrain the resilient insert <NUM> within the outer shell <NUM> to prevent clogging of the fluid outlet connector <NUM>. The restraining portion 104c can be one or more of: nubs, claws, protrusions, patterns, and/or diameter reducing mechanisms. The outer shell <NUM> can be manufactured from plastics such as PVC, and/or metals such as copper, and can be operable to withstand pressures exceeding <NUM> psig.

Turning to <FIG>, the restraining insert <NUM> can include a permeable tube 106a having a first end 106b and a second end 106c. The permeable tube 106a (i.e. a permeable cage) can include holes, slots, and/or other perforation operable to allow fluid transfer to and from the resilient insert. Additionally or alternatively, the permeable tube 106a can be a permeable membrane operable to allow fluids to diffuse into and out of the resilient insert <NUM>. For example, the permeable tube 106a can be at least partially surrounded by the resilient insert <NUM>. In another example, the permeable tube 106a can at least partially surround the resilient insert <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the permeable tube 106a can include a first flange 106d on at least one of the first or second end 106b, 106c. The first flange 106d can be operable to restrain the resilient insert <NUM> within the outer shell <NUM> keeping the resilient insert <NUM> from clogging the fluid outlet connector <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the permeable tube 106a can include a second flange 106e on at least one of the first or second end 106b, 106c. The second flange 106e can be operable to restrain the resilient insert <NUM> within the outer shell <NUM> keeping the resilient insert <NUM> from clogging the fluid inlet connector <NUM>. At least one of the first of second flanges 106d, 106e can have an outer diameter D1 configured to reside within in the outer shell <NUM>. The resilient insert <NUM> can be manufactured from plastics such as PVC, and/or metals such as copper.

Turning back to <FIG>, the fluid inlet connector <NUM> can be disposed on an upstream end <NUM> of the fluid noise suppressor 100a providing both connectivity of the upstream end <NUM> of the fluid noise suppressor 100a to the upstream fluidic conduit 101a and to inhibit travel of the resilient insert <NUM> into the upstream fluidic conduit 101a. The fluid inlet connector <NUM> can include a threaded portion configured to receive the upstream fluidic conduit 101a. One of skill in the art would appreciate that the threads can comply with existing standards for pipe threads, for example, American National Standard Pipe thread (NPT) standards. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid inlet connector <NUM> can have a custom thread and/or fitting depending on the application. The fluid inlet connector <NUM> can be manufactured from metals and/or plastics. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid inlet connector <NUM> can be integral to the outer shell <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid inlet connector <NUM> can be discrete to the outer shell <NUM>.

The fluid outlet connector <NUM> (i.e. fluid connector) can be disposed on a downstream end <NUM> of the fluid noise suppressor 100a providing both connectivity of the downstream end <NUM> of the fluid noise suppressor 100a to the downstream fluidic conduit 101b and to inhibit travel of the resilient insert <NUM> into the downstream fluidic conduit 101b. The fluid outlet connector <NUM> can include a threaded portion configured to receive the downstream fluidic conduit 101b. One of skill in the art would appreciate that the threads can comply with existing standards for pipe threads, for example, American National Standard Pipe thread (NPT) standards. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid outlet connector <NUM> can have a custom thread and/or fitting depending on the application. The fluid outlet connector <NUM> can be manufactured from metals and/or plastics. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid outlet connector <NUM> can be integral to the outer shell <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid outlet connector <NUM> can be discrete to the outer shell <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fluid noise suppressor 100a. Fluid noise suppressor 100a can include the resilient insert <NUM>, for example, including the first discrete resilient insert portion 102a, and the second resilient insert portion 102b configured such that each portion 102a, 102b can have a partially annular cross-section, which when configured to physically abut one another, form an annular cross-section. The channel <NUM> can have an inner diameter D2. The inner diameter D2 can be similar in dimension to an inner diameter of the upstream and/or downstream fluidic conduit 101a, 101b. The permeable tube 106a can be surrounded by the inner surface 102c resilient insert <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fluid noise suppressor. The permeable tube 106a (i.e. permeable cage) can surround the outer surface 102c of the resilient insert <NUM>. The channel <NUM> can be defined between the inner surface 104a of the outer shell <NUM>, and the outer surface 102c of the resilient insert <NUM>. The resilient insert <NUM> can be centered within the outer shell <NUM> by utilizing the first and/or second flange 106d, 106e, of the restraining insert <NUM> and/or an integral restraining portion 104c.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> for manufacturing an example in-line fluid noise suppressor. At block <NUM>, the method can include providing a resilient insert having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining therethrough a channel for a fluid to flow along a length of the resilient insert, the resilient insert can be operable to dampen a fluctuation of a total pressure in the fluid that exceeds a mean static pressure, providing effective fluid-borne noise suppression that without the resilient insert, would have occurred in the flowing fluid with the fluctuation. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient insert can include a first discrete resilient insert portion and a second discrete resilient insert portion that can be operable to physically abut one another, preventing radial compression of the resilient insert that may lead to ineffective fluid-borne noise reduction. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient insert can have a substantially annular cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, the several discrete resilient insert portion can have a partially annular cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, first discrete resilient insert portion and second discrete resilient insert portion can be segmented axially.

At block <NUM>, the method can include providing an outer shell extending along the outer surface of the resilient insert, the outer shell having an integral fluid connector, and an inner wall, the integral fluid connector disposed proximate an upstream end of the outer shell. Additionally or alternatively, the integral fluid connector disposed on an upstream end of the outer shell can be configured to provide fluid connectivity between an upstream portion of the channel and an upstream end of a fluidic conduit. Additionally or alternatively, the outer shell can include a restraining portion integral to the outer shell operable to restrain the resilient insert within the outer shell. At block <NUM>, the method can include providing a restraining insert comprising a permeable tube operable to enable fluid communication between the outer surface of the resilient insert and the channel. At block <NUM>, the method can include providing a discrete fluid connector disposed on a downstream end of the outer shell. Additionally or alternatively, the discrete fluid connector disposed on a downstream end of the outer shell can be configured to provide fluid connectivity between a downstream portion of the channel and a downstream end of a fluidic conduit.

At block <NUM>, the method can include inserting the restraining insert within the outer shell. Additionally or alternatively, the restraining insert can include at least one flange with an outer diameter and disposed on at least one end of the permeable tube, wherein the outer diameter of the flange can abut an inner surface of the outer shell, and the flange can be operable to restrain the resilient insert within the outer shell. At block <NUM>, the method can include inserting the resilient insert into the outer shell. At block <NUM>, the method can include attaching the discrete fluid connector to the downstream end of the outer shell.

In an example, a fluid noise suppressor can include a foam material configured as a lining within a cylindrical pressure-containing shell, and with a central tube. However, under pressure, the cylinder of foam compresses radially, causing loading on the support tube, reduction of performance, and the potential to trap pressure. The foam material can be segmented into one or more axial segments, such that there need not be continuity of material in the circumferential direction prevents the radial compression of the foam, eliminating the behavior that impairs the performance.

In an example, a fluid noise suppressor uses an axially segmented syntactic foam. The syntactic foam can be comprised of a host matrix (such as a urethane) with embedded microspheres. The microspheres can be charged with gas, at a pressure which may be above atmospheric pressure. Under pressure, the microspheres buckle, reducing the stiffness of the material, while retaining the gas itself. In addition, the high volume fraction of microspheres (typically <NUM>%) yields a material with a fine-grained micro-structure, such that the host material also contributes compliance. In concert, the macroscopically segmented syntactic foam liner retains compliance to higher static pressure as compared to classical foams. The segmentation prevents pressure trapping and radial collapse of the liner, such that the fluid noise suppressor performs its intended function across varying system pressure.

While certain techniques and methods of the disclosed technology have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical implementations, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosed implementations, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements as long as they are included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claim 1:
A fluid system (<NUM>) comprising:
a fluid noise suppressor (100a) comprising:
a resilient insert (<NUM>) having an outer surface (102c) and comprising a polymeric matrix having a stiffness and microspheres dispersed within the polymeric matrix, wherein the microspheres are pressurized to a pressure of <NUM> MPa or greater, wherein the polymeric matrix with microspheres dispersed therein enable the resilient insert to be operable to dampen a fluctuation in a flowing fluid of a total pressure about a mean static pressure between about <NUM> kPa to about <NUM> MPa, providing effective noise reduction that without the resilient insert, would have occurred in the flowing fluid with the fluctuation;
an outer shell (<NUM>) extending for a length of the outer surface (102c) of the resilient insert (<NUM>);
a permeable cage (106a) extending along the outer surface (102c) of the resilient insert (<NUM>) and positioned between the outer shell (<NUM>) and the resilient insert (<NUM>); and
a fluid channel (<NUM>) providing fluid connectivity of the flowing fluid through the fluid system (<NUM>).