Elimination of flow-induced pulsations and vibrations in a process installation: a combination of on site measurements, calculations and scale modeling

TL;DRAbstract

The aim of the work described in this paper was to trace and eliminate vibration sources in a low pressure system with high flow velocities. Considerable vibration on the pipe system between a flashing vessel (6.5 m diameter) and heat-exchangers resulted in fatigue failure, leakage and subsequent shut down of a chemical production plant. As compressors or pumps were not directly involved in the process, we considered aero-acoustic pulsations as the main cause of the high vibration levels. Analysis of the flow in the pipe system showed that mean flow velocities could rise up to 50m/s, which is rather high considering the speed of sound in the gas of 195 ms/s. Furthermore separation of the flow from the pipe wall occurs at the outlets of a flashing vessel, which resulted in estimated flow velocities of over 100 m/s in the vena contracta. This paper provides an overview of the analysis done by a onedimensional acoustical model and scale modeling of part of the piping. The recommended modi

Chat with Paper

AI Agents for this Paper