How to address pipeline vibration?
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My pipeline is about 13 meters long and has two elbows; there is a fixed pipe support across the beam in the straight section in the middle. More than a year ago, it was found that this support had come loose from the beam, causing vibration in the pipeline. The management decided to insert shims underneath it and weld them in place. Now, it has been observed that the pipeline has risen a little further compared to before, and vibration in the pipeline has started again. What suggestions do you have for resolving this issue?
The solution was incorrect; this is because the local stiffness of the pipes is too high, causing vibrations in the piping system and rendering the supports ineffective. The solution should be to change the direction of the pipes in order to increase their flexibility and thus absorb the vibrations. The issue can also be resolved by placing the pipe in a trench and filling it with fine sand.
It is probably caused by the thermal expansion and contraction of the pipeline. 1. A spring suspension or bracket can be added, with the size chosen according to the diameter of the pipeline. 2. A limit ring can be added, but it requires considerable effort. 3. Take advantage of maintenance opportunities to change the pipeline route so that it is not affected. Wait………
Agree with what was said above. You can also try installing a flexible connection.
I think the effect of temperature is also a major factor causing pipeline deformation. One can opt for using sliding brackets for fixation, or install flexible white steel connections at one end, so that the other end won’t vibrate. It’s also necessary to control the flow state within the pipeline, ensuring as much liquid flow as possible; moreover, the pipe diameter might need to be chosen to be slightly smaller, to prevent excessive flow speeds!
The main source of vibration in your pipeline is improper support for it – with supports added in the middle while the ends remain free, which of course leads to resonance in the pipeline. It is recommended to add another fixing point or spring hanger on the other end, which will solve the problem
There are many suggestions mentioned, such as changing the direction of the pipes, using spring hangers or supports, and increasing the diameter of the pipes – these are all solutions. I would add one more: it is possible to change the radius of curvature of the two elbows, thereby altering the vibration frequency of the fluid and reducing pipe vibrations
Fixing and guiding should be used together; by combining the ideas from the 2nd and 3rd floors, the problem should be solvable.
A similar phenomenon occurred in our test setup as well, in the pipeline from the gas compressor outlet to the synthesizer; at that time, the entire frame vibrated violently. Our approach is to, based on the original design, install fixed or sliding pipe racks and pipe supports at appropriate locations along the sections of the gas pipeline where vibration is severe; additionally, shock-absorbing materials such as wooden or asbestos boards are placed between the pipe walls and these supports, which yields good results. However, it should be checked and maintained; once the lining comes off, vibrations will occur again.
I cannot agree with the view on the 2nd floor; theoretically, increasing the flexibility of the connections does not solve vibration problems – instead, it increases the risk of vibrations. I have two suggestions: 1. Conduct a dynamic analysis of the pipeline to determine its natural frequency, and use dynamic theory to address this issue, such as by adding buffers or changing the frequency; this is a fundamental solution. 2. Add or remove vibration supports as calculated dynamically; this is a temporary solution.
Our approach at that time was to consider the temperature factor, but it didn’t work! Now a shimming plate has been added underneath it, which reduces the vibration of the pipelines; however, this vibration is transmitted to the framework of the equipment foundation. Additionally, I think it’s worth considering analyzing the problem from the perspective of the pipe diameter, but do you know the relevant calculation formulas? If there is one, please send me a copy. Thank you!