GN 44-005
Guidance Note
BP GROUP
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL PRACTICES
GN 44-005
Assessment of Acoustically Induced Vibration
Foreword
In the event of a conflict between this document and a relevant law or regulation, the
relevant law or regulation shall be followed. If the document creates a higher obligation, it
shall be followed as long as this also achieves full compliance with the law or regulation.
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Table of Contents
Page
Foreword............................................................................................................................................2
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................5
1. Scope........................................................................................................................................6
.......................................................................................................................................6
1.2. BP experience ...............................................................................................................6
2. References ...............................................................................................................................6
3. Symbols and abbreviations.......................................................................................................7
4. AIF Proceedure.........................................................................................................................7
5. Acoustically Induced Vibration Data Sheet...............................................................................9
5.1. Calculation formula......................................................................................................10
5.2. Design action: Continuously Operated System ...........................................................12
5.3. Design action: Non- continuously Operated System ...................................................12
5.4. Piping integrity improvement .......................................................................................13
5.5. Specialist assistance ...................................................................................................13
Annex A: Example 1 ........................................................................................................................15
Section 1: 8 line downstream of valve ...................................................................................16
Annex B - Example 2 .......................................................................................................................17
Section 1: 8 line downstream of valve ...................................................................................18
Section 2: 16 line downstream of valve .................................................................................19
Section 3: 24 line downstream of valve .................................................................................20
Annex C: Example 3 ........................................................................................................................21
Section 1: 12 line downstream of valve .................................................................................22
Annex D: Example 4 ........................................................................................................................23
Location A: valve #1 tail pipe to header..................................................................................24
Location B: valve #2 tail pipe to header..................................................................................25
Annex E: Mach Number Calculations ..............................................................................................26
Annex F: Addition of sound power levels.........................................................................................28
Annex G: Input Required For Detailed Analysis ..............................................................................29
Annex H: Design Limits for Acoustically Induced Vibration .............................................................30
Bibliography .....................................................................................................................................33
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List of Tables
List of Figures
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Introduction
Experience in the gas production, petrochemical and other industries has demonstrated that acoustic
energy in high capacity gas pressure reducing systems can cause severe piping vibrations. In extreme
cases, these have led to piping fatigue failures after a few hours of operation. Typical systems where
such problems may occur include large compressor recycle systems, Emergency Depressurisation
systems (EDP) or blowdown valves and high capacity safety valve pressure let-down systems. The
trend in recent years towards higher capacity systems has increased the likelihood of experiencing
such failures.
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1. Scope
This document is intended to provide the design engineer with methods for assessing potential failures
from acoustic induced fatigue (AIF) at an early stage of design. This note should also be used to assess
existing systems. The style of this document, with its use of decision diagrams, is intended to limit
ambiguities of interpretation which are often inevitable in guidelines of this sort. However, where
these exist and require clarification full consultation with the BP Representative should be made. Only
valves in vapour or mixed flow service need be considered. Valves in liquid service do not need to be
considered.
Engineering design criteria and methodology has been developed and is most appropriate for single
phase vapour fluids. The effects of AIF in multi phase fluids is not as well developed. It is
conservative to use the total mass flow rate on the assumption that the liquid will flash off. It is
important to note that industry experience shows that it is connections to the main pipe, rather than
circumferential or longitudinal butt welds, which are most vulnerable. Therefore any design
modifications need to consider either thickening up the main pipe; applying attention to the detail of
the connection or a combination of both of these design solutions. The connection may be a branch
pipe, pipe support or small bore vent, drain or instrument connection. It is an acceptable design
alternative to locally thicken up a pipe header in vulnerable areas and then use a reduced wall
thickness where there are no branch connections or other structural discontinuities.
Further, it is important to note that other vibration mechanisms in piping systems need to be
systematically considered. Other mechanisms include
2. References
BP
GP 42-10 Piping systems (ASME B31.3)
GP 44-70 Overpressure Protection Systems
GP 44-80 Relief Disposal Systems
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Industry Standards
Energy Institute Guidelines for the Avoidance of Vibration Induced Fatigue in Process
Pipework, 2nd Edition, January 2008
For the purpose of this GN the following symbols and abbreviations apply:
dB decibel
4. AIF Proceedure
It is intended that this guidance note supplements the use of the EI Guidelines and BP ETPs GP 44-70
and 44-80. This guidance note should be used on new projects in the design phase and for the
assessment of existing facilities.
It would be anticipated that new projects would normally implement the piping integrity
improvements described in section 5 as required. However, this may not be practical for existing
facilities That were either built to different standards or are being re-rated for higher capacities. In this
case it may be possible to ensure integrity by completing a thorough acoustic structural finite element
analysis and carry out local modifications to ensure acceptable integrity. This approach is described in
section T10.7 of the EI guidelines. This detailed analysis is beyond the scope of this guidance
document, however the input needed to complete this type of analysis is included in Annex G. This
design approach should be supplemented by an inspection program on downstream piping. Inspection
should be focused on looking for surface breaking defects that would act as fatigue initiation points.
Any defects should be removed.
It would normally be expected that the first stage of this analysis work (which is predominantly data
gathering and a single simple calculation) would be completed by a BP engineer or qualified
engineering contractor. Whilst the second stage which involves consideration of multiple relief valves
operating simultaneously and a full assessment to the EI guidelines would normally be completed by a
specialist consultant or engineering contractor who is familiar with the application method. However,
there is sufficient detail in this document for a competent engineer to complete this stage of the
assessment using this guidance note and the EI guidelines.
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Complete EI assessment in
accordance with module T2.7
Analysis
normally
completed by
specialist
consultant
No No further action
Is the LOF>0.5? for this valve
Yes
No
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Calculations would normally be completed using a spreadsheet type format. Typical layout is shown in Table 1. Particular attention has to be paid to the units
used in the calculation. The formula and consistent set of units shown in section 5.1 should normally be used.
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p1 Direction of flow p2
T1 T2
PWL
PWL(x)
P P 3.6 T 1.2
PWL = 10 log10 1 2 W 2 1 + 126.1 + SFF Equation 1
P1 m
Credit may be taken for attenuation of acoustically induced vibration due to pipe length
downstream of the valve. For the purpose of these design calculations, assume attenuation of
3dB/50 diameters downstream of the pressure let-down device. The sound power level at a
distance x from the valve may be calculated using Equation 2.
Normally there is no need to extend the analysis beyond the feature that acts as an acoustic
block such as a flare knock out drum. In many cases, the piping isometrics will not be
available at the time this study is required. It is conservative to ignore attenuation due to
piping.
0.06 x
PWL( x) = PWL Equation 2
D
The Mach number of gas downstream of the valve may be calculated using Equation 3. The
derivation of this formula is given in Annex C. This equation is only valid for the units shown
in this section.
W T2
M 2 = 116 Equation 3
P2 D 2 m
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Where:
P1 = upstream pressure Bar(A)
P2 = downstream pressure Bar(A)
T1, = upstream temperature K
o
T2 = downstream temperature (0 C=273 K K
PWL = sound power level dB
SFF = A correction factor to account for sonic flow . If sonic dB
conditions exist (M2>1) then SFF=6; otherwise
SFF=0
M2 = Downstream Mach number
m = molecular weight
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Experience shows that piping systems associated with blow-down valves that are used during
plant commissioning or start-up are particularly vulnerable.
Valves (Y/N)
Mach No.M2
LOF
assistance
Low Noise
Specialist
Max. d/s
Minimum schedule
rqd?
CS SS
0.5 No 0.5 No No
0.5 < LOF 1.0 Yes STD 40S 0.5 No Yes
> 1.0 Yes
Table 3: Design actions: Continuously operated systems
b. an LOF of between 0.5 and 1.0 is acceptable provided that a low noise valve is used and
the pipe minimum schedule is used and the piping integrity improvements detailed in
paragraph 5.4 are included in the design.
assistance
LOF
Specialist
Max. d/s
Minimum schedule
rqd?
CS SS
0.5 No 0.75 No
0.5 < LOF 1.0 Yes STD 40S 0.75 No
> 1.0 Yes
Table 4: Design actions: Non-continuously operated systems
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Annex A: Example 1
The relief valve has a 30 Bar(A) upstream pressure and discharges into a header that is initially at
atmospheric conditions. The mass flow rate is 20,000 kg/hour. The relief temperature is 40oC, the gas
molecular weight is 25 and the ratio of specific heats is 1.21.
10m
8 DIA
16 DIA 60m
24 DIA
Where:
P1 = upstream pressure 30 Bar(A)
P2 = downstream pressure 1 Bar(A)
T2 = downstream temperature 313 K
A correction factor to account for sonic flow . If sonic conditions exist
SFF = 0 dB
then SFF=6; otherwise SFF=0
M2 = Downstream Mach number
W = flow rate of gas and liquid 5.56 kg/s
D = nominal pipe diameter 0.2 m
Di = Inside pipe diameter (std wall) 0.211 m
= ratio of specific heats Cp/Cv 1.21
m = molecular weight 25
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W T2
M 2 = 116
P2 Di2 m
5.56 313
= 116
1 10 0.2112
5
25 1.21
M = 0.48
P P 3.6 T
1.2
PWL = 10 log10 1 2
W 2 1 + 126.1 + SFF
P1 m
30 1 3.6 2 313
1.2
= 10 log10 5.56 + 126.1 + 0
30 25
= 154dB
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Annex B - Example 2
The relief valve example used in Annex A has its capacity increased to 140,000 kg/hour.
10m
8 DIA
16 DIA 60m
24 DIA
Where:
P1 = upstream pressure 30 Bar(A)
P2 = downstream pressure 1 Bar(A)
T2 = downstream temperature 313 K
A correction factor to account for sonic flow . If sonic conditions exist
SFF = 0 dB
then SFF=6; otherwise SFF=0
M2 = Downstream Mach number
W = flow rate of gas and liquid 38.89 kg/s
D = nominal pipe diameter 0.2 m
Di = Inside pipe diameter (std wal) 0.211 m
= ratio of specific heats Cp/Cv 1.21
m = molecular weight 25
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Step 1 Calculate Mach number. The developed back pressure in the system is 8 Bar(A).
W T2
M 2 = 116
P2 Di2 m
38.89 313
= 116
8 10 5 0.2112 25 1.21
M = 0.41
P P 3.6 T 1.2
PWL = 10 log10 1 W 2 1 + 126.1 + SFF
P1 m
30 1 3.6 2 313
1.2
= 10 log10 38.89 + 126.1 + 0
30 25
= 171dB
Step 4 There is a welded support immediately downstream of the relief valve. Neglect attenuation and
take the pipe as 8 standard wall
Increasing the wall thickness to 11 mm reduces the LOF to 0.5. An alternative to increasing the
wall thickness would be to increase the wall thickness to 40S (for a stainless line) or STD wall
(for a carbon steel line) and use a wrap around reinforcement or bolted pipe shoe.
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Step 1 0.06 x
PWL( x) = PWL
D
0.06 10
= 171
0.219
= 171 3
= 168dB
Increasing the wall thickness to 16 mm reduces the LOF to 0.5. An alternative would be to
increase the wall thickness locally to 40S (for a stainless line) or STD wall (for a carbon steel
line) and use a sweepolet or forged tee.
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Step 1 0.06 x
PWL( x) = PWL
D
0.06 60
= 168
0.406
= 168 9
= 159dB
Step 6 The LOF is less than 0.5, no further corrective action is required
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Annex C: Example 3
The relief valve has a 80 Bar(A) upstream pressure and discharges into a header that is initially at
atmospheric conditions. The mass flow rate is 340,000 kg/hour. The relief temperature is 80oC, the gas
molecular weight is 18 and the ratio of specific heats is 1.25.
12 DIA
24 DIA
Where:
P1 = upstream pressure 80 Bar(A)
P2 = downstream pressure 1 Bar(A)
T2 = downstream temperature 353 K
A correction factor to account for sonic flow . If sonic conditions exist
SFF = 0 dB
then SFF=6; otherwise SFF=0
M2 = Downstream Mach number
W = flow rate of gas and liquid 94.4 kg/s
D = nominal pipe diameter 0.323 m
Di = Inside pipe diameter (std wal) 0.313 m
= ratio of specific heats Cp/Cv 1.25
m = molecular weight 18
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W T2
M 2 = 116
P2 Di2 m
94.4 353
= 116
8 10 5 0.313 2 18 1.25
M = 0.55
P P 3.6 1.2
2 T1
PWL = 10 log10 1
W + 126.1 + SFF
P1 m
80 1 3.6 2 353
1.2
= 10 log10 94.4 + 126.1 + 0
80 18
= 181dB
Step 3 181>155 additional analysis in accordance with EI guidelines is required. Consider the 12
to 24 connection. This is a fabricated tee. Both lines are schedule 10S stainless steel.
Increasing the wall thickness to 19 mm reduces the LOF to 1.4. This is not acceptable. Checking
the sound power level (181 dB) against pipe size (24) shows that these values fall into the
range where a substantial redesign is required. It would be recommended that specialist
assistance is sought or the flare design is substantially revised.
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Annex D: Example 4
Two relief valve are designed to operate simultaneously into a common header.
valve #1 valve #2
10 m 8 DIA 10 m 8 DIA
5m 24 DIA
A B
Valve #1 has a sound power level of 172 dB and valve #2 has a sound power level of 165 dB. The
flow is not sonic.
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Locations A and B may now be assessed using the same method as shown in previous
examples. This calculation is conservative as no account of attenuation at the header connection
or energy loss split between upstream and downstream. However, it is normally adequate for
initial screening purposes.
It is normally good practice to start with the valve with the highest sound power level.
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The mach number would normally be calculated at as part of the system process design. If this
calculation is not readily available, then the Mach number downstream of the valve may be calculated
as follows;
v
M =
c
where :
RT2
c=
m
w
v= 2
r
p m
= 2
ZRT2
Where:
M = Mach number (dimensionless)
v = Gas velocity in pipe (m/s)
c = Speed of sound of gas in pipe (m/s)
= Ratio of specific heats
R = Universal gas constant
T2 = Downstream temperature (K)
m = Molecular weight of gas
w = Mass flow rate (kg/s)
r = Pipe inside radius (m)
D = Pipe inside diameter (m)
= Gas density (kg/m3)
p2 = Downstream pressure (Pa)
Z = compressibility
w ZRT2 m
M =
r 2
p2 m RT2
22 Z R w T2
=
m
2
p2 D
Using the normal values for R (8315) and Z (1).
2 2 1 8315 w T2
M =
p D
2
2
m
w T2
M = 116
p2 D 2
m
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Figure 2: Graph to estimate the ratio of specific heats for hydrocarbon gases
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Equation 1 shows that the sound power level is measured in dB (decibel). The Bel is a unit which
gives the number of tenfold changes between two quantities, whilst the deci indicates that that the Bel
is divided into units of ten. Sound power level is defined as shown in Equation 4
Using this equation, it can be seen that 3dB represents a doubling of energy.
PWL
PWL
PWL
It can be seen that care must be taken when adding two decibel values. This can be done by using
Table 5.
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The input required to complete an acoustic structural finite element analysis includes the following:
For non-relief systems, similar information will be required to complete the acoustic structural finite
element review.
The analysis results in a design time to failure. For non-continuously operated valves this design life
will normally be assessed against a required life of five hours.
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Prior to the introduction of the EI guidelines, assessment of AIF was often based on figures such as
shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. Such charts has been included in this section to act as a second design
check against the EI LOF method. The figure clearly demonstrates that AIF is a function of pipe
diameter. Whilst such figures are useful they do not highlight the particular vulnerability of weldolet
branch connections and other structural discontinuities.
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The data from Carrucci and Mueller[1] were plotted using the diameter to thickness ratio by
Eisenger[5]. This is shown in Figure 4.
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The assessment of the various action levels is given in Table 6 and Table 7 for continuously and non
continuously operated valves respectively. Relief valves are normally considered to operate non -
continuously. If the PWL exceed the design limit by about 15dB or more, then more significant system
changes are normally required.
Valves (Y/N)
Mach No.M2
Action =PWL-DL (dB)
Low Noise
Redesign
Max. d/s
Length to apply Min. pipe
rqd?
downstream thk (mm)
No Action 0 No 0.5 No No
A 3 Yes 50 D 13 0.5 No No
B 3<5 Yes 50D. /3 13 0.5 No Yes
C
5 < 15 Yes 50D. /3 16 0.5 No Yes
D
E > 15 Yes
Mach No.M2
Action
Redesign
(dB)
Max. d/s
Length to apply Min. pipe
rqd?
downstream thk (mm)
No Action 0 No 0.75 No
A 3 Yes 50D. /3 13 0.75 No
B 3<5 Yes 50D. /3 13 0.75 No
C 5 < 10 Yes 50D. /3 13 0.75 No
D 10 < 15 Yes 50D. /3 16 0.75 No
E > 15 Yes
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Bibliography
[1] Acoustically Induced Piping Vibration In High Capacity Pressure Reducing Systems. V.A. Carucci
and R.J. Meuller. ASHE winter annual meeting 14-19th November 1982.
[3] Acoustically induced structural fatigue of piping. F.L.Eisenger and J.T.Francis. Transactions of ASME
Vol121, November 1999.
[4] Prudhoe Bay Central Gas Facility Start-up planning, commissioning and early operation. C.B.Nan.
MD.D.Kyrias, Gas Processors Annual Convention Proceedings, 1988
[5] Designing piping systems against acoustically-induced structural fatigue. F.L.Eisenger, ASME PVP-
Vol 328
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