Pulsation Problem

Reciprocating equipment creates pressure pulsations at cylinder firing frequency. Waves propagate through piping causing vibration, noise, fatigue failures, and instrument malfunction. Pulsations damage pressure gauges, flowmeters, and control valves. Severe cases crack piping or loosen connections.

Damper Function

Volume chamber interrupts acoustic wave transmission. Gas compressibility or liquid inertia absorbs pulsation energy. Internal design creates impedance mismatch reflecting waves back to source. Proper sizing reduces pulsations 80-95% protecting downstream systems.

Damper Design

Cylindrical pressure vessel with inlet from pulsating source, internal volume tuned to problem frequencies, outlet to protected system, baffle or orifice controlling flow, mounting supports. Sizing based on acoustic analysis of specific installation.

Acoustic Principles

Chamber acts as Helmholtz resonator or quarter-wave tube depending on configuration. Volume and geometry tuned to attenuate dominant pulsation frequencies. Multiple chambers target different frequency ranges. Design requires pulsation analysis per API 618 or equivalent.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for hydrocarbon and gas service. Stainless steel for corrosive fluids. Design pressure matches system with safety margin. Materials withstand pulsation fatigue loading. Proper welding and inspection critical for cyclic service.

Installation Location

Positioned close to pulsation source - compressor or pump discharge. Effectiveness decreases with distance as standing waves develop. Multiple dampers at strategic locations optimize system-wide attenuation. Piping layout affects performance requiring integrated design.

Applications

Reciprocating compressor suction and discharge pulsation control, positive displacement pump systems, gas transmission pipeline stations, process plant compression, and any reciprocating equipment installation requiring vibration control.

Performance Verification

Pressure pulsation measurement validates damper effectiveness. Portable analyzers measure peak-to-peak pulsation amplitude. API 618 limits typically 2-5% of line pressure. Proper design and installation achieve specification compliance.

Maintenance Access

Inspection openings enable internal examination. Cleaning removes deposits affecting acoustic performance. Pressure testing verifies integrity. Simple design requires minimal maintenance if properly sized and installed.

System Integration

Coordinates with piping layout, supports, and equipment foundations. Vibration analysis includes damper effects. Proper integration essential for effective pulsation control. Engineering considers entire acoustic system.

Performance Benefits

Protects piping and equipment from pulsation damage. Extends instrument life eliminating vibration failures. Reduces noise and vibration improving working environment. Prevents costly piping failures from fatigue.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII for pressure service. Acoustic design per API 618 or equivalent. Fabrication quality critical for cyclic loading. Complete documentation with pulsation analysis and performance predictions.

ERGIL pulsation dampers provide reliable flow stabilization protecting systems from reciprocating equipment vibration damage in oil, gas, and process applications.