Experimental Characterization of a Flow‐through Pulsation Damper Regarding Pressure Pulsations and Vibrations

Abstract

Pressure attenuators, especially side branch bladder-type accumulators, for suppression of pressure pulsations in industrial fluid applications are not suitable for higher-pressure pulsation frequencies, e.g., with centrifugal pumps. Accumulators of the flow-through-type promise a faster response time and thus a wider application range. The damping performance of a flow-through pressure accumulator with respect to fluid pressure pulsations and the resulting structure-borne noise was investigated. The influence of varying pulsation frequencies, damper precharge pressure, and damping effect throughout the piping system was evaluated. Experiments were performed in an industrial-scale closed-loop test facility, with both pressure pulsations and piping vibrations in the focus. The damper, characterized by means of high-speed video analysis, proved to be capable of damping effectively the pressure pulsations and piping vibrations induced by a centrifugal pump.

Energy and Dynamic Properties of Hydraulic Systems

“…hydraulic pumps). Subsequently, they can be propagated through the fluid-filled piping system [10]. The pulsations have a negative influence on functionality and service life of hydraulic components, system tightness and stability, cavitation, pressure fluctuation in a system, noise and mechanical vibrations [11].…”

“…If unwanted mechanical vibrations occur in hydraulic systems, it is desirable to suppress them in a suitable manner, e.g. by means of elastic mounting of machines, active damped material structures and placement of accumulators in these systems [10,13] This paper is focused on examination of hydraulic systems in terms of energy savings and dynamic behaviour. Hydraulic systems are firstly compared in terms of energy savings, which are very important for system operators.…”