Investigation & Resolution on Oxination Feed Pump Pulsation Related fatigue failures

Abstract

Case Study 8: This case study presents the detailed analysis on the high pressure Triplex reciprocating pump. Issues were observed during the operation and subsequent detailed pulsation analysis was carried out to understand the root cause of the piping and pump valve failures. A more detailed pulsation analysis of the cylinder nozzles of the discharge resonators showed that standing wave type resonance with the same frequency as measured during actual operation was present, leading to large pulsation-induced forces. The problem was resolved by implementing recommendations of the study: installation of orifice plates at the inlets of the discharge dampeners. Piping designs and its structural J-hanger supports were reviewed and modified to countermeasure the influence on hydraulic pulsation forces and mechanical vibrations, leading to acceptable cyclic stresses.