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Removing jet noise

The problem

During its production process, a health care company immersed its pharmaceutical containers in a rinsing bath. Afterwards, to dry off excess moisture, employees placed the containers on a draining bench and blew them dry using a hand-held compressed air hose.


Principle of induced air flow

Principle of induced air flow

Compressed air hose

Compressed air hose

Compressed air hose

Compressed air hose

The solution

The plain air hose nozzle was replaced by an induced flow type, the principle being to link a secondary air flow with the primary jet flow and so reduce the strength of the noise-generating turbulence produced in the main jet air flow.


The cost

About £25 per unit. (1995)


The result

A noise reduction of 7 dB during the drying cycle, while still maintaining an effective velocity for moisture removal.


Source

Information supplied by 3M Health Care. Photographs courtesy of Meech Exair. Equipment supplied by Meech Exair.