Pulsation Sources

Reciprocating equipment creates pressure waves from cylinder or piston action. Suction pulsations occur from periodic inlet valve opening. Discharge pulsations from compression stroke and outlet valve action. Both cause piping vibration, noise, instrument damage, and efficiency losses.

Dual Dampener Function

Suction dampener smooths inlet flow reducing pressure variations entering cylinders improving volumetric efficiency. Discharge dampener attenuates outlet pulsations protecting downstream piping and equipment. Combined system addresses complete pulsation control.

Dampener Design

Cylindrical pressure vessels with inlet and outlet connections, internal volume tuned to problem frequencies, baffle or flow restriction controlling acoustic impedance, mounting supports. Sizing based on pulsation analysis per API 618 standards.

Suction Side Benefits

Reduces inlet pressure drop increasing compressor efficiency. Prevents flow reversal and valve flutter. Improves volumetric efficiency 2-5% through steadier intake. Protects suction instruments from pulsation damage.

Discharge Side Benefits

Attenuates pressure waves protecting piping from fatigue. Prevents discharge valve chatter extending valve life. Reduces downstream instrument errors from pressure fluctuations. Minimizes piping vibration and noise.

Material Selection

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

Acoustic Design

Chamber volume and geometry tuned to dominant pulsation frequencies. Quarter-wave or Helmholtz resonator principles depending on application. Multiple chambers target different frequency ranges. Design requires acoustic analysis of specific installation.

Installation Requirements

Suction dampener positioned immediately before compressor inlet. Discharge dampener at compressor outlet. Proximity to pulsation source critical for effectiveness. Proper piping layout and support coordination essential.

Applications

Reciprocating compressor installations in gas transmission, gas processing, refrigeration, petrochemical plants, and any reciprocating equipment requiring comprehensive pulsation control.

Performance Verification

Pressure pulsation measurement validates dampener effectiveness. Peak-to-peak amplitudes measured with calibrated transducers. API 618 limits typically 2-5% of line pressure both suction and discharge. Proper design achieves specification compliance.

Maintenance Access

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

Performance Benefits

Protects equipment from pulsation damage on both suction and discharge. Improves compressor efficiency through steadier flow. Extends equipment life eliminating vibration failures. Reduces noise and operational vibration.

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 suction and discharge dampeners provide comprehensive pulsation control protecting reciprocating equipment and piping systems in oil, gas, and process applications.