High vibration in Reciprocating compressor piping

[10815L]

Hi All,

High vibration reported in receiprocating compressor piping sections, one of our field, we are operating three parallal reciprocating compressors, two on at a time and one stand by. vibration analysis is done by ATL UK and as per them acoustic vibration excitation more near the suction snubbers while snubber sizies and pressure drops are as per API 618 standards.Here are suspected causes of vibration.

Compressor suction piping loop is L shape instead of U shape.
Compressor startup by pass given at the compressor skid.
Suction piping support is given equal basis at 20' .
Can any one please put some more light and suggest corrective action, compressor suction suction skatch is attached.

Thanks

10815L

 

[BigInch]

Can't tell a thing from that. Can you take pictures?

I hate Windowz 8!!!!

 

[10815L]

BigInch,
Picture attached.
10815L

 

[BigInch]

Not large enough. Stand back about 20m.
Better yet, let's try isometric drawings of the pipe runs that you're having problems with.

I hate Windowz 8!!!!

 

[SJones]

Corrective actions are outlined in the Energy Institute Guidelines for the Avoidance of Vibration Induced Fatigue Failure in Process Pipework

Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.

 

[SNORGY]

Did ATL UK offer any recommendations in support of their findings?

Sometimes simply tweaking the pulsation bottles using orifice plates, etc. can resolve the problems at relatively low cost.

Is the compressor suction piping clamped down?

 

[10815L]

Hi,
I'm collecting more information, as I'm in office and fields is far away from office and regarding the ATL UK investigation (vibration analysis), they suggested 30' suction pipe addition for B compressor.
I confirmed suction pipings are designed for 8hz,but suction piping loop is L shaped between first and second snubber of stage one.

Vibration on suction snubber sand DP are ok, what I feel that compressor startup bypass may be one of the leading problem as it is connected on compressor skid and you can visualize in the attached picture.
10815L

 

[10815L]

Hi,
In addintion to previous reply,distance between, compressor discharge and inlet is 6' only.
Thanks
10815L

 

[BigInch]

L shapes contribute to vibration by giving some flexibility, changing, typically reducing, the frequency of the other dogleg, probably making it closer to compressor frequencies, or a multiple thereof.

I hate Windowz 8!!!!

 

[BigInch]

S. Jones in another thread in the Pipelines, Piping & Fluid Mechanics Forum says to see this publication,
Energy Institute Guidelines for the Avoidance of Vibration Induced Fatigue Failure in Process Pipework

I hate Windowz 8!!!!