Cold hydrogen line
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The cold hydrogen pipeline near the reactor is vibrating; standing on the reactor platform, one can feel it shaking as well. What is the reason for this?
It’s hard to analyze this issue here; there are too many reasons. Does the pipeline vibrate when not in use? Check whether the supports and hangers are effective ； Another issue is resonance
Check the bracket; it’s probably the problem. Examine carefully for any areas of friction, and prevent leakage caused by friction in the pipes
The cold hydrogen line is not in use, and there are no issues with the hanger.
It is very likely caused by resonance; check the feed pump and circulation pump pipelines, and pay attention to any areas of friction in the cold hydrogen line until the vibration is eliminated
Is it because the pipes connecting to the reactor aren’t properly secured? Previously, the pipes connected to the compressors in our factory also vibrated severely; after installing fixes, the problem was resolved.
It might be resonance; it’s best to start checking at the cyclic hydrogen compressor, as we’ve encountered this issue here as well.
The vibration source should come from the compressor. Reduce pipe diameter and eliminate elbows, let’s see
In addition to fixed supports, there are also spring supports and spring hangers, all of which are used to secure pipes and prevent vibration. Compressors, especially reciprocating compressors, tend to vibrate due to issues such as misalignment of the machine frame, foundation settlement, or problems with the machine itself. These vibrations can be transmitted outward as a result of the machine being secured in place. Moreover, because the temperatures of hot hydrogen and cold hydrogen differ, the pipes expand at different rates, making it easy for vibrations to occur at certain points along the pipes. It is recommended to first tighten the areas where vibration occurs, as prolonged vibration can damage the welds. In fact, it would be best to contact the design agency immediately to recalculate the pipes and add additional supports to eliminate vibrations, thereby resolving the problem completely
We have encountered similar situations as well; the vibration arises mainly from the airflow in reciprocating compressors, and the vibration energy in the pipes is not significant. The principle is similar to that of self-excited vibration – increasing constraints in the direction of vibration can help reduce it. A simple solution is to secure the vibrating pipe using wire and nuts; apply tension to it in the direction of vibration, preferably with symmetric tension, which can provide a temporary fix to the problem. To completely resolve the problem, it is necessary to add rigid supports or restraints to the pipeline, or to change its natural frequency