Reciprocating compressors: control vibrations to protect your industrial facilities
Reciprocating compressors, essential to industrial processes, generate pulsations and vibrations that must be controlled to guarantee plant safety and reliability.
In the nuclear, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food sectors, as well as on ICPE industrial sites, reciprocating compressors are strategic pieces of equipment. However, their operation generates pressure and flow pulsations that can lead to destructive vibrations in piping, safety valves and noisy industrial machinery. Industrial acoustic diagnostics and numerical acoustic simulation are essential to limit risks, ensure operational reliability and meet regulatory requirements such as API 618.
Acoustics and vibrations of reciprocating compressors
A poorly protected reciprocating compressor can cause repeated mechanical stress, leading to fatigue and cracking, as well as acoustic resonance, amplifying vibrations. These phenomena lead not only to a loss of energy performance, but also to the risk of incidents involving critical equipment. For these reasons, acoustic and vibration expertise must be integrated right from the design stage, based on acoustic modeling, CFD acoustic calculations and noise and vibration engineering.
Our approach to acoustic and vibration engineering
- Pulsation study and pulse control
Pulsation control requires precise numerical acoustic simulation. This includes optimizing the design of antipulsation balloons to reduce initial energy, adjusting pipe diameters and lengths to filter resonances, and integrating restrictor orifices to create a resistive effect that dampens pulsations.
- Mechanical design and vibration control
Analysis of the mechanical response enables us to limit the cyclic stresses generated by residual pulsations. This work involves modifying or creating new support points to move the resonant mechanical frequencies away from residual excitations. It can also include the installation of specific supports that allow thermal expansion while blocking vibrations. In some cases, a flexibility study in accordance with ASME B31.3, EN 13480-3 or CODETI standards completes the analysis.
- Analysis of critical points
The studies also take into account flow control systems, such as additional pockets, valve lift or backflow devices. They also look at pressure losses induced by pulsation reduction devices, power and flow deviations, and the behavior of safety valves subjected to pressure pulsations.
Why choose SIM Engineering for your acoustic projects?
Recognized expertise and a tailor-made approach
SIM Engineering, an independent design office, is recognized for its ability to handle complex, technically challenging projects. Our engineers combine scientific rigor, operational responsiveness and confidentiality.
Our strengths :
- Nearly 30 years’ experience in acoustic calculation and simulation
- Operations in aeronautics, defense, rail, automotive and energy
- High-performance software tools and computing infrastructure
- Personalized project approach: from one-off studies to global support
Whether you’re a design office, a methods manager, an R&D project manager or an industrial manager, we can provide you with the right solution.
SIM Engineering support in 5 steps
Analysis of requirements, evaluation of constraints, digital simulation, optimization and design, validation by testing: our process guarantees smooth, efficient management.
Each mission gives rise to a detailed report with recommended solutions.
Contact us for your acoustic projects
Do you have a project involving acoustics? Would you like to validate your design choices, improve the sound performance of your products or anticipate regulatory requirements?
SIM Engineering puts its expertise in industrial and environmental acoustics at your service. Our engineers are with you from the upstream phase through to final validation, with clear, compliant deliverables.
Contact our team today to discuss your needs or request a customized quote.