Acoustic Fatigue Involving Large Turbocompressors And Pressure Reduction Systems.

Abstract

Much work has been done over the years to predict the potential for acoustic fatigue in piping systems associated with pressure reducing systems in the design stage. However, an easily usable screening criteria for assessing the potential for acoustic fatigue for operating installations has not been readily available to industry at large. Based upon theory and empirical measurements, a near-field sound pressure level screening method has been developed for evaluating piping systems. A case history will be presented that will incorporate the use of the near-field noise screening criteria for risk assessment in an existing installation. It is hoped that the use of this near-field noise screening criteria by industry will enable users to assess the risk of acoustic fatigue, which will lead to safer systems and help to determine the need for additional measurements and analysis.