Acoustic Induced Vibration (AIV) Studies

In gas applications with high-pressure drops and/or high-velocity gas flow, an intense internal acoustic field is generated inside the pipe.

This acoustic field causes high-frequency, large amplitude pipe vibration, putting at risk the pipe wall and potentially branch connections. The internal sound field also causes high levels of sound radiation which have implications for noise control and noise induced hearing loss.

In many applications, particularly pressure relief systems (PSVs), the level of pipe wall vibration is so high that it can induce fatigue cracking of the pipe and potentially cause catastrophic pipe failure. In extreme cases pipe failure can occur in a matter of hours.


Typical Problem Areas

  • High flow rate in piping causing high vibration
  • High sound power level generated by valves or restriction orifices
  • Concern about predicted fatigue life of branches, tie-ins and general piping
  • Need to predict impact of combined scenarios in blowdowns (relieving, emergency venting)
  • Design needs to reflect allowable number of let-downs based on fatigue limits
  • Need to reduce dynamic stress levels where potential fatigue failure is identified
  • Need to reduce external noise levels from piping

 


Our Expertise

SVT is a world leader in Acoustics Induced Vibration (AIV) and has a rigorous methodology (extending Concawe fundamentals) to predict failures and provide remedial actions.

This methodology starts with the identification of those processes requiring analysis (e.g. emergency venting, valves, compressor let-downs) and concludes with detailed recommendations to reduce dynamic stress levels where the potential for fatigue failures puts your facility at risk.

If you are responsible for the design or operation of high-pressure blowdown systems on oil and gas facilities, flaring systems, compressor stations or power generation plants - we can mitigate the impacts of AIV and reduce costs associated with increased piping schedules.