Challenge

A MedTech process used a refrigerated sonic flow in a stent installation process. Operator sound pressure levels reached 92dBA which necessitated hearing protection, exclusion zones and regular medical checks.

Engineering Approach

The challenge was to substantially reduce noise without adversely affecting the process flow. A novel silencer was conceived, analysed, designed, manufactured and tested. The engineering work combined concept development, first-principles mathematical modelling and thermodynamics with mechanical design, production drawings, CFD, prototyping and experimental testing.

Outcome

The developed silencer reduced operator noise from 92 dBA to 68 dBA, eliminating the requirement for hearing protection while leaving the required nozzle flowrate unchanged.