Noise attenuation in power plant control valves—past, present, and future

Abstract

Noise measurement and control in power plant valves have seen significant advances in the past several years. Aerodynamic noise in control valves is now predictable within a fairly wide range of variables in fluids, while hydrodynamic noise (principally from cavitation) prediction is still somewhat limited in application. A great variety of proprietary and nonproprietary means of noise control for valving now exists. The evolution of noise controls and devices has been from all segments of the using, supplying, and consulting industries and significant further advances are possible. This is particularly true in the realm of high recovery valves, emergency vent valves, and cavitation prediction and control devices. Valve suppliers are detecting a higher level of sophistication among their users with a pronounced tendency to specify only that degree of noise control necessary for a particular application. Examination of several case histories indicates the extremely high cost penalties inherent in overspecifying acceptable levels of control valve noise.