Piping and Pulsation Suppression Device Shaking Forces in Reciprocating Compressors
LIMITATIONS IN ENGINEERING & DESIGN FOR PIPING & PULSATION DEVICE SHAKING FORCES IN RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
Pulsation Suppression Device Selection: The selection of an appropriate pulsation suppression device is critical. It should be capable of effectively attenuating pulsations and vibrations generated by the reciprocating compressor. Factors such as flow rate, pressure fluctuations, gas composition, and the type of pulsation suppression technology should be considered.
System Response and Natural Frequencies: The interaction between the reciprocating compressor, piping system, and pulsation suppression devices must be carefully evaluated to avoid resonance and harmful vibration amplitudes. Analyze the natural frequencies of the system to ensure they are well outside the operating range of the reciprocating compressor.
Dynamic Analysis: Conduct dynamic analysis of the piping system, considering the reciprocating compressor’s pulsations and the effect of the pulsation suppression devices. This analysis helps identify potential resonance, excessive vibrations, or fatigue-prone areas, allowing for appropriate design modifications or mitigations.
Piping Layout and Support: Proper piping layout and support are essential to minimize vibration transmission and stress concentrations. Consider the arrangement of the piping system, the locations of pulsation suppression devices, and the use of flexible connections or expansion joints to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration isolation.
Material Selection and Pipe Wall Thickness: Select materials and wall thicknesses that can withstand the cyclic loading and vibration associated with reciprocating compressor pulsations. Consider the fatigue properties, corrosion resistance, and pressure rating of the materials to avoid premature failures.
Vibration Dampening Measures: Incorporate vibration dampening measures, such as resilient supports, shock absorbers, or snubbers, in critical areas to reduce vibration transmission and mitigate potential damage to the piping system and equipment.
Compliance with Standards: Adhere to industry standards and guidelines, such as API 618 (Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services), which provide recommendations for piping design and pulsation control in reciprocating compressor systems.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Establish a comprehensive inspection and maintenance program to monitor the integrity of the piping system, pulsation suppression devices, and associated supports. This includes visual inspections, vibration monitoring, and periodic assessment of fatigue life.
Training and Competence: Ensure that personnel involved in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the reciprocating compressor system and associated piping are well-trained and competent. Proper understanding of the system dynamics, vibration control, and safety procedures is crucial.
By considering these limitations and implementing appropriate engineering and design practices, the reliability, safety, and performance of piping systems with reciprocating compressors can be enhanced, minimizing the risk of critical failures and associated hazards. Collaborating with experienced engineers, vibration specialists, and adhering to relevant industry standards will help mitigate potential issues and ensure a robust and reliable system.
WHY, WHEN, WHERE, WHAT, WHICH AND HOW TO APPLY ENGINEERING & DESIGN FOR PIPING & PULSATION SUPPRESSION DEVICE SHAKING FORCES IN RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
Why apply engineering and design?
Reliability and Safety: Proper engineering and design ensure the reliability of the piping system, pulsation suppression devices, and reciprocating compressor operation. This minimizes the risk of failures, leaks, and potential safety hazards.
Performance Optimization: Well-designed piping systems and effective pulsation suppression devices contribute to the efficient operation of reciprocating compressors, maximizing their performance and energy efficiency.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards: Adhering to industry regulations, codes, and standards ensures that the system meets safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
When and where to apply engineering and design?
System Design: Engineering and design considerations should be applied during the initial design phase of the reciprocating compressor system, including the selection of appropriate components, piping layout, and placement of pulsation suppression devices.
System Upgrades and Modifications: Whenever modifications or upgrades are made to the reciprocating compressor system or changes occur in operating conditions, engineering and design practices should be applied to ensure the modifications are properly integrated and the system remains reliable and safe.
What to consider during engineering and design?
Piping Layout and Support: Optimize the piping layout to minimize vibration transmission and stress concentrations. Ensure proper support is provided to mitigate piping movement and potential fatigue failures.
Pulsation Suppression Devices: Select and design suitable pulsation suppression devices based on the characteristics of the reciprocating compressor pulsations and system requirements. Consider factors such as flow rate, pressure fluctuations, gas composition, and the type of pulsation suppression technology.
Material Selection and Wall Thickness: Choose materials and wall thicknesses that can withstand the cyclic loading and vibration associated with reciprocating compressor pulsations. Consider factors such as fatigue properties, corrosion resistance, and pressure ratings.
Dynamic Analysis: Conduct dynamic analysis to assess the system’s response to reciprocating compressor pulsations, ensuring that resonance and harmful vibrations are avoided. Analyze natural frequencies and perform structural analyses to identify potential fatigue-prone areas and address them appropriately.
Which standards and regulations to follow?
Adhere to industry standards and guidelines such as API 618 (Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services) and other relevant codes and regulations specific to the oil and gas industry. These standards provide recommendations and requirements for piping design, pulsation control, and system safety.
How to apply engineering and design effectively?
Collaborate with Experts: Engage experienced engineers, vibration specialists, and industry experts to ensure the application of best practices and optimize the engineering and design processes.
Analysis and Validation: Conduct detailed engineering analyses, such as finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to validate the design and performance of the piping system and pulsation suppression devices.
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance: Establish a comprehensive inspection and maintenance program to monitor the integrity of the system over time. Implement regular inspections, vibration monitoring, and periodic assessments to identify potential issues and ensure continued reliability and safety.
By applying engineering and design practices in piping systems and incorporating effective pulsation suppression devices, high reliability, safety, and performance can be achieved, reducing the risk of critical failures in reciprocating compressors within the oil and gas industry. Collaboration with experts, adherence to relevant standards, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance are key to successful implementation.
PROCEDURES, ACTIONS, STUDIES, ANALYSIS, MITIGATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT PIPING & PULSATION SUPPRESSION DEVICE SHAKING FORCES IN RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
Pulsation Study and Analysis: a. Perform a pulsation study to understand the characteristics of pulsations generated by the reciprocating compressor, including amplitudes, frequencies, and waveforms. b. Analyze the impact of these pulsations on the piping system, considering factors such as material fatigue, resonance, and potential vibration-induced failures.
Dynamic Analysis: a. Conduct dynamic analysis of the piping system using techniques such as finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to evaluate the response to pulsations and vibrations. b. Identify potential resonance points, stress concentrations, and areas prone to fatigue failures. c. Modify the piping system design, supports, or layout to minimize vibration transmission and stress concentration areas.
Piping Design and Support: a. Optimize the piping design, considering factors such as pipe diameter, wall thickness, material selection, and routing to minimize vibration-induced stresses. b. Incorporate supports, hangers, and snubbers to ensure proper support and to mitigate pipe movement and vibration transmission.
Pulsation Suppression Device Selection: a. Select appropriate pulsation suppression devices (such as pulsation dampeners, surge tanks, or pulsation bottles) based on the characteristics of the pulsations and the system requirements. b. Consider factors such as gas flow rates, pressure fluctuations, and the type of pulsation suppression technology (e.g., volume or inertia-based).
Compliance with Standards: a. Adhere to industry standards and guidelines such as API 618, which provide recommendations for pulsation control and piping design in reciprocating compressors. b. Ensure that the design and implementation of the piping system and pulsation suppression devices align with applicable codes and regulations.
Material Selection: a. Select materials for the piping system and pulsation suppression devices that are compatible with the gas composition, pressure, temperature, and potential corrosive or erosive conditions. b. Consider the fatigue properties, corrosion resistance, and pressure rating of the materials to avoid premature failures.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: a. Implement a comprehensive inspection and maintenance program for the piping system and pulsation suppression devices. b. Conduct regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance activities to detect signs of degradation, vibration-induced damage, or leaks. c. Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, such as vibration monitoring, visual inspections, and ultrasonic testing, to identify potential issues.
Training and Competence: a. Ensure that personnel involved in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the piping system and pulsation suppression devices are adequately trained and competent. b. Provide training on system dynamics, vibration control, safety protocols, and the recognition of potential failures.
Collaboration and Expertise: a. Collaborate with experienced engineers, vibration specialists, and industry experts throughout the design, implementation, and maintenance processes to ensure best practices and optimize system performance.
By implementing these procedures, actions, studies, analyses, mitigations, and recommendations, the reliability, safety, and performance of piping systems with pulsation suppression devices can be enhanced in reciprocating compressors, reducing the risk of critical failures in the oil and gas industry.