SBIR-STTR Award

An abrasive blasting nozzle is a complex aero-acoustic noise source, characterized by super-sonic, two-phase flow. Noise from an abrasive blasting nozzle is comprised of three sources: (i) turbulent mixing noise (ii) shock-associated noise and (iii) jet impingement noise. It is not uncommon for abrasive nozzles to generate noise levels greater than 120 dB(A); far exceeding typical occupational noise limits. The work proposed herein will apply sophisticated aero-acoustics principals to the design of an abrasive blasting nozzle; reducing noise from the nozzle while simultaneously improving the devices productivity. The nozzle developed through this effort will provide industry with a device that represents an evolutionary step forward in safety and efficiency.

Benefit:
A successful SBIR program will introduce a revolutionary new abrasive blasting nozzle to the market place. In terms of noise (safety) and performance, the technology developed has the opportunity to, over time, replace the use of conventional dry abrasive blasting nozzles.

Keywords:
Nozzle, Nozzle, abrasive blasting, Noise control, Jet noise

The purpose of the proposed project is to produce a commercial abrasive blasting nozzle which is more efficient and quieter than a typical commercially-available nozzle. The nozzle will decrease labor hours needed for blasting processes in shipbuilding, decrease workers compensation claims due to hearing loss, and relieve environmental noise restrictions on blasting at shipyards. All of this will contribute toward producing and repairing ships more quickly and efficiently. The Phase 1 SBIR effort resulted in the development of prototype nozzles that were demonstrated to reduce noise and decrease blasting time by when compared to a similarly sized commercial nozzle. The overall technical objective of the proposed Phase II effort is to continue reducing abrasive blasting noise while maintaining or possibly increasing the previous improvements in blasting efficiency realized in Phase I.

Benefit:
A more efficient and quieter nozzle will help to produce ships more quickly which will reduce cost and facilitate the delivery of more ships to the US Navy warfighter. The developed nozzle will be a marketable product that can compete with typical nozzles in both efficiency and noise.

Keywords:
abrasive blasting, Abrasive blasting nozzle noise reduction, blasting nozzle efficiency, shipyard noise, hearing loss