INVESTIGATION OF STEAM NOISE FROM A ONE-INCH LS-4 LESLIE REDUCING VALVE,
Abstract
As a preliminary step toward the investigation of noise produced by a steam system, the noise characteristics of a one-inch LS-4 Leslie Reducing Valve is studied with the main objectives of determining its noise-production mechanisms and establishing, from the above findings, new design criteria to avoid its noise problem. Accelerometer and pressure transducer data show a high intensity broad-band spectrum extending from 3.5 kc to 16 kc with two-flow-rate dependent, discrete noise peaks about 15 db above the broad-band spectrum of 4.2 kc and 14 kc. The mechanisms which produce the high intensity discrete noise peaks are less certain due to the lack of an accurate picture of the complicated flow pattern inside the valve chamber. The high intensity broad-band spectrum is found to be due to turbulence interaction, occurring in the region immediately behind the smallest cross section of the valve opening. The noise level of this broad-band spectrum and, to a lesser degree, that of the discrete peaks can be reduced by the insertion of screens in regions where large turbulent eddies are suspected to be forming. Condensation occurs in the outlet chamber of the reducing valve. Formation of condensation shock in the outlet chamber is also possible, but experimental data indicate that condensation effect is negligible in the production of noise in the valve. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0811109
Entities
People
- Hugh Ching
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology