Dept of Mech Engg.

III Sem Auto

Throttling Process

The throttling process is an irreversible steady flow expansion process in which a perfect
gas is expanded through an orifice of minute dimensions such as a narrow throat or a
slightly opened valve. Due to fall in pressure during expansion, the gas should come out
with a large velocity, but due to high frictional resistance between the gas and the walls
of the aperture, there is no considerable change in velocity. The kinetic energy of the gas
is converted into heat which is utilized in warming the gas to its initial temperature. Since
no heat is supplied or rejected during the throttling process, and also no work is done,
therefore

q1-2 = 0 and w1-2 = 0

we know that steady flow energy equation for unit mass flow is

h1 + V12 /2 + gz1 + q1-2 = h2 + V22 /2 + gz2 + w1-2

since there is no considerable change in velocity and inlet and outlet are the same
therefore V1 = V2 and z1 = z2

also since w1-2 = 0 and q1-2 = 0

the above equation reduces to h1 = h2

Thus, the throttling process is a constant enthalpy process.

The throttling process was investigated by Joule and Thompson during an experiment
known as the Joule Thompson porous plug experiment.

Sketch Here

Compiled by NSY Page 1 of 2 TE I - Chapter 2

Dept of Mech Engg. III Sem Auto

Additional Information on Throttling Process

Throttling valves are any kind of flow-restricting devices that cause a significant pressure
drop in the fluid. Some familiar examples are ordinary adjustable valves, capillary tubes,
and porous plugs unlike turbines; they produce a pressure drop without involving any
work. The pressure drop in the fluid is often accompanied by a large drop in temperature,
and for that reason throttling devices are commonly used in refrigeration and air-
conditioning applications. The magnitude of the temperature drop (or, sometimes, the
temperature rise) during a throttling process is governed by a property called the Joule-
Thomson coefficient. Throttling valves are usually small devices, and the flow through
them may be assumed to be adiabatic since there is neither sufficient time nor large
enough area for any effective heat transfer to take place. Also, there is no work done, and
the change in potential energy, if any, is very small. Even though the exit velocity is often
considerably higher than the inlet velocity, in many cases, the increase in kinetic energy
is insignificant.

That is, enthalpy values at the inlet and exit of a throttling valve are the same. For this
reason, a throttling valve is sometimes called an isenthalpic device.

Note, however, that for throttling devices with large exposed surface areas such as
capillary tubes, heat transfer may be significant.

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