Acoustics and vibrations in a complex piping network with pump startup–shutdown transients

Abstract

Pump dynamic operational conditions result in extreme transient events that can enhance the response of piping networks. The predominant transients during rapid startup and shutdown are mainly studied for centrifugal pumps and are scarce for reciprocating pumps. Our study extends the conventional steady-state analysis to include the effect of reciprocating pump dynamic loading on pulsatile flow-induced acoustics and vibrations in a complex piping network. The forced response resulting from acoustical–structural coupling is assessed by utilising the one-dimensional multiphysics piping acoustic model and beam structural model. The network responses to pulsatile flows during dynamic pump loading (rapid start-up-shutdown events) are compared to the responses due to pulsatile flows during steady-state pump loading. With pump startup–shutdowns operations accompanied by pulsatile flows, the network response is the result of the combination of the transient and steady-state characteristics of plane acoustic waves and structural vibrations. The dynamic pump loading excites the fundamental, low-frequency acoustic eigenmode that causes transient loading of pipeline similar to reservoir–pipe–valve (RPV) systems.