Continue to Site

Eng-Tips is the largest engineering community on the Internet

Intelligent Work Forums for Engineering Professionals

  • Congratulations KootK on being selected by the Eng-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!

Pulsation dampeners resonance

Status
Not open for further replies.

Nicolas B

Mechanical
May 16, 2022
9
Hi!

Currently, I am conducting an acoustic simulation of an existing crude oil pumping station equipped with eight single-acting Quintuplex pumps, including six in operation and two spares, each fitted with 4-inch plungers. The discharge pressure varies from 10 to 40 kg/cm2g (~140 to 570 psig)

In addition to process data, I have conducted vibration measurements at specific points along the main 10-inch discharge header.

I have utilized BOSpulse for acoustic simulation and performed modal analysis using CAESAR II to refine both the acoustic and structural models, although I am awaiting pulsation measurements for completeness.

Based on the available information, I anticipate achieving a reasonably accurate acoustic model. While I currently lack pulsation measurements, there is a correlation between measured vibration frequencies and estimated pulsation frequencies within ±3 Hz at lower frequencies.

I am evaluating potential changes to the pipe routing and/or the addition of bladder-type pressure dampeners in the discharge header. Notably, in the acoustic model, the inclusion of a dampener leads to a increase in pressure pulsations for frequencies of 4-5 Hz, resulting in up to 1.5 kg/cm2g (~21 psig) within the 10-inch header.

Have you encountered similar issues/challenges with pulsation dampeners?
 
Replies continue below

Recommended for you

OP,
Are you able to tune your dampener in your model? i.e. the gas pressure opposing the fluid pressure? You may need to adjust the dynamic response of your dampener.
 
Oh, haven't try that. I've experimented with various dampener sizes while maintaining the precharge pressure as recommended by the dampener manufacturer.
 
OP,
The pre-charged/nonadjustable one's I've encountered are pump specific. The generic ones are adjustable. Most have instructions like, pressurize to 80% of the pump pressure and then adjust until the pulsing is at a minimum. I don't know if this is an option in your program, which is why I asked.
An analogy would be to think of them as a suspension system on a vehicle.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Part and Inventory Search

Sponsor