Acoustical Pulsation Analysis

Rotary Pumps

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What is Acoustical Pulsation Analysis
Why Perform Acoustical Pulsation Analysis
Acoustical Pulsation Analysis Example

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What is Acoustical Pulsation Analysis

In rotary pumps, the cyclical compression and expansion of fluid generate fluctuating flow and pressure pulsations which are known as acoustical pulsations.

The acoustical pulsation analysis involves calculating the pressure pulsations, pulsation-induced shaking forces, and pressure drops resulting from specified pulsation attenuation measures. This analysis is used to adjust pulsation control designs, including the use of dampeners, to ensure system compliance with the latest API 676 guidelines.

Why Perform Acoustical Pulsation Analysis

Performing an acoustical pulsation analysis helps identify appropriate pulsation attenuation measures and mitigate the risk of excessive pulsations and shaking forces in the system. Failure to address these issues can lead to excessive vibrations and potential failure in the pump and piping systems, and deterioration of pump performance.

The methodology for acoustical pulsation analysis of rotary pump packages is similar to that used for reciprocating compressor packages, with the key difference being adherence to the API 676 Standard.

At CCPGE, we use Bentley PULS XM Option 3 software to perform acoustical pulsation analysis for rotary pump packages, ensuring system compliance with the latest API 676 Standard.

Acoustical Pulsation Analysis Example

An example of acoustical pulsation analysis for a rotary pump package with the following specifications is illustrated below. The analysis was completed by using Bentely PULS XM Option 3 software per API 676 Standard.

Pump:	Viking GP-41445	Power / Speed:	96 BHP / 1783 RPM
Liquid:	Crude Oil	Flow Rate:	40 – 55 m3/hr
Suction Pressure:	150 - 689 kPa	Discharge Pressure:	2000 – 8400 kPa

The calculated acoustical pulsations, represented by the maximum pulsation violation ratio, for the suction system before and after design modifications are shown in the following figures. This project incorporates pulsation attenuation measures including the design of dampeners to mitigate excessive pulsations and shaking forces.