Field Measurement and Numerical Study of the Vibration in the Pipeline of Centrifugal Compressor

Abstract

During compressor operation, vibration of the connecting pipeline often occurs which potentially has an impact on safety. Field vibration measurements are carried out on a pipeline for a centrifugal compressor, and the vibration waveform and spectrum characteristics are obtained. Numerical studies are conducted to investigate the relationship between the natural frequency of the pipeline and the fluid excitation frequencies. These numerical results are verified by comparison with the field measurement values, which shows that the numerical method can be useful for engineering applications. Some preliminary conclusions are drawn from the results of the field measurements and the numerical simulation. Pressure fluctuations spread through the pipeline over an appreciable distance. The sensitive frequencies of the pipeline vibration are determined, and the fundamental causes of the flow induced vibration revealed. Accordingly, the pipeline structure can be modified to reduce the vibration and ensure the safety of the equipment and the pipeline.