2019. 6. 9.

Reciprocating Compressor - Pulsation, Design Approach, API 618

Reciprocating Compressor - Pulsation, Design Approach, API 618: INERTANCE can perform Design approach I ~ III for pulsation study in accordance with API 618 for reciprocating compressor.



Pulsation Study for Reciprocating Compressor

The pulsation study for reciprocating compressor could be performed as per API 618, and INERTANCE has a capability to perform below kinds of acoustic analysis , shaking force estimation and mechanical study as per Design approach procedure.
Pipe Mechanical Analysis
Pipe Mechanical Analysis
  • Pulsation Study as per API 618
  • Pulsation Suppression Device
  • Surge Bottle Sizing as per API 618 & API 11P
  • Shaking Force (Unbalanced Forces)
  • Acoustic Simulation
  • Calculation of Peak-to-Peak Amplitude Levels
  • Piping Vibration Criteria
  • Piping Modification
  • Mechanical Review and Piping Restraint Analysis
  • Mechanical Study for Natural Frequency
  • Separation Margin Requirements
  • Acoustic Controls by Orifice
  • Acoustic Resonance
  • Acceleration Head
  • Surge Volume and Acoustic Filter
  • Helmholtz Frequency Estimation
The objective to perform this study is to avoid problems with vibration, performance, reliability, and flow measuring error caused by acoustical interaction between the compressor and the relevant piping system.
Pulsation study procedure has been determined as per API 618 guideline.
Here, INERTANCE shows the brief procedure for related study of reciprocating compressor as follows;

Design Approach 1

Design Approach 1 is to perform the empirical pulsation suppression device design using proprietary and empirical analytical techniques to meet line side pulsation levels and the maximum pressure drop based on compressor normal operating condition.
Design approach I as per API 618
Design approach I as per API 618

Design Approach 2

Design Approach 2 is to perform the acoustic simulation and piping restraint analysis, which include the control design through the use of pulsation suppression devices and proven acoustic techniques. In case the detail design of piping system is finalized, the acoustic simulation has to be performed for system reliability. Then, the separation margin based on mechanical natural frequency has to be checked to avoid the mechanical resonance.
Design Approach II as per API 618
Design Approach II as per API 618

Pulsation Frequency and Flow
Pulsation Frequency and Flow

Design Approach 3, API 618

Design Approach 3 is to perform the mechanical analysis with forced mechanical response analysis in addition to Acoustic study. The forced mechanical response analysis for compressor cylinder as well as associated piping systems has to be performed as results of previous analysis results.
Design Approach III as per API 618
Design Approach III as per API 618
INERTANCE has a capability to select the sizing of surge volume as well as low pass filter, and the related pipe support design, where necessary.
Surge Volume for Acoustic study
Surge Volume for Acoustic study

Pulsation Controls for Reciprocating Compressor
Pulsation Controls for Reciprocating Compressor

Mechanical Study of piping system
Mechanical Study of piping system
INERTANCE has a capability regarding noise and vibration engineering, and our experts are familiar with assessment of API 618 study & Mechanical study. For further information, contact us at (mountain@inertance.com).
INERTANCE’s related services include;