The pipeline is humming; what’s going on?
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Crude oil enters the plant through pipelines; we use 3 mass flow meters in parallel, with two in operation and one as a spare. Since no oil flows into the spare meter’s pipeline, it is filled with air. Due to the increased flow rate, the valves before and after the spare flow meter were opened recently, and then a \"humming\" sound was heard from the pipeline where the regular mass flow meter is located; the pipeline also experienced some vibration. At first, I didn’t pay much attention to it, thinking it would go away in a few days, but after 3 or 4 days have passed, the noise and vibrations are still there. I would like to ask everyone: What’s the issue with this pipeline, and is any processing required? Thank you.
Noise exists due to the presence of air
But the pipeline is constantly transporting fluid – won’t the air flow away?
There is air inside; doesn’t the medium in the pipeline flow continuously?
There is no specific process required; oil is needed to displace the air. Run it for a few more days and give it a try
Air is present within the pipeline, and oil and gas flow alternately, resulting in unstable airflow inside the pipeline. It is recommended to install a vent valve at an appropriate location at the top of the pipeline to release the gas.
This situation lasted for 3 days. On the 3rd day, we adjusted the flow rate; it was no longer necessary to keep the third valve open. After closing the downstream valve, the noise in the pipeline stopped.