Identifying and Understanding the Risk of Acoustic-Induced Vibration Failures

  • Home
  • Identifying and Understanding the Risk of Acoustic-Induced Vibration Failures

Identifying and Understanding the Risk of Acoustic-Induced Vibration Failures

Nathan D. Libertowski, Engineer II; Michael F.P. Bifano, Ph.D., P.E., Consulting Engineer I

Note: The following article was published in the March/April 2021 issue of the Inspectioneering Journal. Please submit the form below to access the full article. 

One source suggests that 10-15% of piping failures are a result of fatigue from vibration. Piping vibration can be caused by multiple different mechanisms such as flow-induced turbulence, slug flow, mechanical excitation from machinery, and acoustic pulsation. These mechanisms are often observed by plant operators since they present themselves during normal operation. On the other hand, acoustic-induced vibration (AIV) in pressure relief lines and downstream of control valves used for blow-down (BDV) is difficult to identify since the vibration is not readily observable unless the valves are opened. 

Often downstream of a pressure-reducing device (PRD), AIV occurs in gas systems when acoustic waves generated at flow restrictions excite natural modes of the piping, thus leading to vibration. AIV is different from most types of piping vibration because it generally occurs at much higher frequencies (300-1,500 Hz) and is the result of shell mode excitation. For this reason, AIV is typically not visible to the human eye but is noticeable by touch and transmits high-frequency audible noise outside the piping to the surrounding areas. The occasionality, combined with the high-frequency, low-amplitude vibration, allows AIV to usually go unnoticed until the vibration is heard, the pipe is touched, or a failure occurs. 

To continue reading the article, submit the form below:

Newsletter Archive

Access all of our previously published Industry Insights Newsletter articles:

Recently Published

Reimagining Level 3 FFS: How Cloud Computing and Automation Are Transforming Asset Management

Cloud computing and automation are reshaping what’s possible in asset evaluation and management. In this article, the author provides a look inside the architecture of the new FEA Suite, shares real-world case studies, and explains how distributed computing helps overcome common barriers to Level 3 assessments. Get a glimpse into the future of faster, more reliable analysis.

Read More »

The Expert’s Guide to Process Simulation

Discover the essential principles of process simulation for chemical engineering. In this article, Victor provides a detailed discussion into how to design, troubleshoot, and optimize processes efficiently using modern simulation software. You will learn how to select thermodynamic models, set up accurate simulations, and implement optimization techniques for maximum performance.

Read More »

Embracing the AI Revolution: Unveiling Q – The Future of the EEPs

When implemented thoughtfully and carefully, artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to vastly revolutionize your proprietary corporate standards. In this article, you will learn about Q, new AI capabilities, purpose-built for Equity Engineering Practices (EEPs) subscribers. Using a closed-source AI engine, Q can enhance the full potential of your intellectual assets, paving the way for increased productivity and improved knowledge transfer.

Read More »

Educating the Next Generation – Training SMEs

Integrating cutting-edge solutions into proactive knowledge-sharing programs ensures the seamless transition of expertise from retiring subject matter experts (SMEs) to the next generation. Read about ETI’s mechanical integrity and lifecycle management training designed to increase knowledge transfer, while also helping engineers learn new technologies and achieve operational excellence.

Read More »
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Pages
Industry Insights Newsletter Articles
Events
Library Items