An experimental investigation of the use of an outlet silencer to quiet ejectors

Abstract

Ejectors are simple fluid movers and mixers used in a range of industries; however, the attractiveness of their simplicity can be offset by high levels of noise generation. This work experimentally investigates the use of a silencer affixed to the outlet of a subsonic air–air ejector as a means of quieting the ejector. An emphasis is placed on finding a silencer design which has a minimal impact on the mass flow rate exhausting from the ejector (pumping performance). This paper discusses the results of 10 different silencer designs, tested in an attempt to further understand noise generation mechanisms and to find a practical method to reduce the noise of ejectors. It is found that the placement of a perforated cone at the mid-length of the silencer is the only solution tested which provides a significant acoustic advantage with only a small drop in pumping performance. Other solutions tested provide either no acoustic advantage or have too great of a reduction in pumping performance. It is found that the size and shape of the ejector can be designed in such a way to reduce the overlap of natural modes and thus the overall noise levels of the ejector caused by high levels of resonance. The use of acoustic foam to dampen acoustic natural modes proves that the natural modes of the ejector are a significant contributor to the overall noise levels.