摘要 |
<p>A flow control element comprises a cylindrical element body having a bore formed therethrough. The cylindrical element body may include inner and outer peripheral surfaces and define a plurality of tortuous flow passages which extend between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces. The flow control element is formed as a unitary structure wherein the flow passages are oriented along at least two axes. The flow control may be formed by direct to metal laser sintering wherein successive layers of powdered metallic material are solidified by applying laser energy to the selected portions until the flow element is formed as a unitary structure with a plurality of flow passages extending therethrough. The laser energy is selectively applied to the powdered metallic material according to a computer model of the flow control element.</p> |