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Vibrations in piping systems are more than just an audible nuisance; they can be a significant concern for engineers, impacting the reliability of these critical infrastructures. However, you can extend the lives of your pipes by knowing the causes and effects of vibrations and how to mitigate them. Find out more in this brief look at the role of vibration in piping systems.
What Causes Vibrations in Pipes?
You can attribute vibrations in piping systems to several factors. Flow-induced turbulence, which occurs when fluid movement in the pipe becomes irregular, is one of the most common causes of vibration.
Pumps and compressors can also cause vibrations. Additionally, when pressure pulsations excite the natural frequency of the piping system, acoustic resonance can occur and lead to amplified vibrations.
How Can Vibrations Impact Piping Systems?
Engineers must understand how vibrations can impact piping systems. Continuous or excessive vibrations can lead to fatigue failure, where the material gradually weakens over time, resulting in cracks or even catastrophic failure. This is particularly concerning in high-pressure or high-temperature systems, where leaks can have severe safety and environmental consequences.
Vibrations can also lead to misalignment and additional stress on the piping network. From an operational standpoint, vibrations can negatively affect the performance of flow meters and compromise the integrity of flanges, necessitating costly repairs and downtime.
How Can Engineers Cope With Vibrations?
After learning about the destructive role of vibration in piping systems, engineers need to learn how to mitigate it. Fortunately, they have several options, including installing expansion joints that can absorb vibrations and lower the harm they cause to pipelines.
You can also strategically place vibration isolators and dampeners to minimize mechanical transmission from rotating equipment. Regular monitoring and maintenance are also crucial, including periodically inspecting your joints, supports, hangers, and alignment. You can also redesign your pipeline to prevent any bends that exacerbate the level of vibrations it experiences.
Triad Bellows specializes in supplying its customers with expansion joints that our staff will tailor to your needs. We can also provide you with expansion joints maintenance tips that will help them last longer and continue to lower the vibrations in your pipelines.
