ROOTS & API 619 - Screw compressors
Screw compressors (API 619) and ROOTS compressors generate pressure pulsations, particularly at discharge, which can reach significant levels. These fluctuations propagate through the discharge lines and interact with silencers, oil separators and instrumentation.
When these pulsations go unchecked, they can lead to excessive vibration, cyclical mechanical stress and significant radiated noise. Understanding and dealing with these phenomena is a major challenge for plant reliability and control of acoustic and mechanical performance.
Technical and industrial challenges
Screw and ROOTS compressors are widely used in many industrial processes requiring continuous flow rates. Although they operate differently from reciprocating compressors, they can generate significant pulsating excitations at the discharge end. These pulsations can have an impact on :
- the compressor itself
- pipes and silencers
- oil separators
- tapping and instrumentation devices
The effects observed include localized vibrations, high noise levels, dynamic stresses on supports and, in some cases, premature component degradation.
The challenge for manufacturers is to prevent these destructive effects while optimizing overall system performance.
Understanding and diagnosing phenomena
The first step is to characterize the pulsation mechanisms and their interaction with the network. Pulsations generated at the discharge point can propagate in the pipes in the form of acoustic waves and interact with the connected volumes, creating resonance phenomena. The analysis aims to :
- identify dominant frequencies
- assess the amplitude of pressure fluctuations
- understand the links between pulsation, acoustics and vibration
This detailed understanding enables us to link the phenomena observed on site – noise, vibrations, mechanical stress – to the physical mechanisms at the root of the disorders.
Pulsation, acoustic and mechanical studies
SIM Engineering’s studies incorporate a combined approach covering pulsatory, acoustic and mechanical aspects.
Pulsating analysis can be used to model the propagation of pressure fluctuations in discharge lines and identify critical configurations.
The acoustic study aims to understand the generation and radiation of noise associated with pulsations, as well as interactions with connected volumes.
Mechanical analysis evaluates the vibratory response of piping and equipment subjected to pulsating excitations.
This global approach makes it possible to identify pulsation-acoustic-vibration couplings and anticipate amplification phenomena.
International intervention
25 acousticians, engineers, technicians and PhDs
Certified experts
Device design and optimization
Based on the analyses carried out, SIM Engineering designs and sizes solutions adapted to the characteristics of the installation. Actions may include :
- design of silencers adapted to dominant frequencies
- installation of orifice plates
- integration of quarter-wave resonators
- optimization of piping network layout or volumes
- dimensioning acoustic insulation
These solutions aim to reduce pulse amplitudes, limit radiated noise and reduce mechanical stresses transmitted to equipment.
Solving operational problems
In addition to design studies, SIM Engineering also works on existing installations where noise, pulsation or vibration are a problem.
On-site investigations make it possible to :
- measure pulse and noise levels
- analyze vibratory responses
- identify resonance or interaction phenomena
Corrective solutions are then adapted to operating constraints to guarantee sustainable improvement without compromising process performance.
- measure pulse and noise levels
Applications and contexts
The studies apply to installations equipped with screw compressors complying with API 619 or ROOTS compressors, in particular on :
- discharge lines
- mufflers
- associated networks
They concern both new projects and existing installations requiring optimization or resolution of vibration and acoustic problems.
- discharge lines
Integrated expertise for plant performance
Controlling pulsation in screw and ROOTS compressors requires a thorough understanding of the interactions between fluid dynamics, acoustics and structural behavior.
By combining advanced modeling, acoustic analysis and vibration expertise, SIM Engineering supports its customers in securing and optimizing their facilities.This approach prevents destructive effects on piping networks, controls noise levels and ensures the lasting mechanical performance of systems incorporating screw or ROOTS compressors.
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