mud pump pulsation dampener pressure quotation

Mud Pump Pulsation Dampener is usually installed on the discharge line to reduce the fluctuation of pressure and displacement of the drilling mud pump.

Mud Pump Pulsation Dampener is a pneumatic device built into the outflow line of each UUD pump to dampen the pressure fluctuations resulting from the action of the pump. Although presented as a surge tank, this device is really a device that can be tuned to greatly diminish the output pulsations transmitted downstream from the mud pump. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of the pulsation dampener is a function of both output pump pressure and frequency of the pump pulsations.

The Pulsation Dampener 3375-0015-3 from the Hypro series assures smooth discharge from piston and plunger pumps. It also reduces peak loading on pump bearings and other internal parts. The Pulsation Dampener 3375-0015-3 extends the system life and minimizes maintenance costs.

As a general guideline, when using two cylinder or four cylinder piston pumps, the dampener charge should be approximantely 1/2 of the pump operating pressure. When using a three or six cylinder pump, te dampener charge should be approximately 2/3 of the pump operating pressure. This pump is rated for up to 1500 psi.

A properly serviced pulsation dampener is critical for your mud pumps’ efficiency, safety, and performance. Unfortunately, there aren’t many resources available to educate personnel on executing safe and effective servicing procedures. Please review the following steps with your personnel for safe pulsation dampener maintenance.

Should you or your personnel have any questions regarding pulsation dampener maintenance, please don’t hesitate to ask. Sigma is more than happy to help you to ensure safe and proper care is being completed on your pulsation dampening equipment.

For more information about pulsation dampeners, we sat down with Brandon Dalrymple and Nathan Ackeret fromBlacoh Fluid Control(manufacturer of pulsation dampeners, surge suppressors, and inlet stabilizers), and asked them to answer a few of our customers’ most common questions about pulsation dampeners.

Pulsation dampeners absorb the energy from the pulse wave created by a positive displacement pump, much like a shock absorber on a vehicle. Absorbing those pulse waves protects pipe welds and supports, and system components from damage due to pressure or excess movement.

A pulsation dampener creates an area of low pressure in the system with enough volume to absorb the pulsation. The pulsation dampener has a membrane with a "cushion" of compressible gas/air behind it that flexes to absorb the pulse, allowing a laminar flow downstream of the dampener.

Pulsation dampeners are commonly used wherever a positive displacement pump discharges flow in an unsteady manner, and where the pulse is not desired for the piping system. Air operated double diaphragm, metering and hose/peristaltic pumps typically benefit from a pulsation dampener.

The type of pulsation dampener used is typically defined by where they are placed in the system, and what they need to do. For example, "pulsation dampeners" are on the downstream side of the pump, "inlet stabilizers" are on the inlet side of the pump, and an accumulator or "surge suppressor" is used next to a valve or other device that restricts the flow in a system.

This video shows where you would place an inlet stabilizer, and how it is used to reduce the pulsation with an air operated diaphragm pump in suction lift conditions.

If you"re experiencing problems with rattling pipes, intermittent flow, water hammer, or pulsations in your system, don"t ignore it. Take the steps necessary to control these symptoms to prevent system deterioration down the road.

Need help with pulsations or water hammer problems? Ask us about it! We gladly provide technical assistance to businesses in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

Our custom-designed systems will absorb excess energy pulsing through the pump and piping system by creating a low-pressure area to dampen the excess shocks and vibrations. Because a pulsation dampener regulates the release of energy, your system will be better protected and run more smoothly. After installing a pulsation dampener, customers notice that their system:

The installation of properly sized pulsation dampeners minimize vessel costs while protecting the pump and piping system and improving process efficiency and accuracy.

A pulsation dampener reduces or eliminates the variations in pressure and flow produced by reciprocating pumps. In many applications, low frequency pressure waves cause problems within a given piping system and/or process. Eccentric, cam-driven pumps are probably the most commonly applied for services that require pulsation dampening, e.g., metering pumps and reciprocating (power) pumps.

Pulsation dampeners are found in a variety of designs, but for our purposes we will focus on only gas-charged pulsation dampeners, which rely on a calculated volume of compressed gas, usually Nitrogen, which is alternately compressed and expanded in synchronization with the pump plunger to reduce or eliminate pressure pulsations. This gas volume is normally separated from the process fluid by a flexible membrane. Common membrane designs include elastomeric bladders, PTFE diaphragms, PTFE bellows or stainless steel bellows.

Pressure waves or pulses are a consequence of the alternating acceleration and deceleration of fluid velocity corresponding to the travel of the piston or plunger. The pattern and amplitude of these pulses varies with pump configuration, specifically the number and size of pistons, as well as fluid compressibility factors.

It is precisely the fluid volume above mean on the discharge cycle of each stroke, which induces these pressure pulsations into a piping system. The number of pistons offered by the pump-given that all are of identical diameter and equally phased-displace a known peak volume above mean. These constants may be influenced by fluid compressibility, but for the purpose of this explanation we’ll assume none at this point. A pulsation dampener absorbs only that portion of piston displacement above mean flow, and then stores it momentarily before discharging it during the portion of the cycle below mean flow (on the suction stroke).

A simplex pump displaces a volume of fluid above mean that is equal to about 60 percent of total displacement. A duplex pump displaces a lower fluid volume above mean, approximately half that of a simplex pump. Pumps of three or more pistons of equal diameter, stroke length and proportionally phased will always present a very small fluid volume above mean to the piping system. A triplex pump, for example, produces about a 4 percent peak, as long as fluid compressibility factors and pump efficiencies are not at issue.

These smaller fluid volumes are accounted for by the crank angle of each of the cylinders. Triplex pumps are offset by 120-deg. Quadruplex pumps are set apart at 90-deg offsets; quintuplex pumps are offset 72-deg, and so on. It is the resulting overlap in pulses that yield the smaller fluid volumes above mean.

Fluid velocity gradients follow the same mechanical velocity gradients of the eccentric cam that drives the piston(s). Halfway through the piston’s forward travel (discharge stroke), fluid velocity between the discharge check valve and the pulsation dampener begins to decay. The corresponding drop in pressure causes the membrane inside the dampener to expand since the internal gas pre-charge pressure is now higher than the line pressure. The (stored) fluid now being displaced by the pulsation dampener maintains velocity downstream of the dampener thereby reducing, if not eliminating, any downstream pulsations.

Note: A pulsation dampener removes pulses only from the line downstream of the dampener-not upstream. That’s why it’s always recommended that discharge dampeners be installed as close to pump discharge nozzles as possible. In an application of a dampener for suction stabilization (reduction of acceleration head losses), it is the velocity gradient between the supply vessel and the suction nozzle that is minimized.

Let’s begin by defining the pump details required to properly size a pulsation dampener. We will use these values in a sample calculation to help clarify the process.

We recommend that the gas pre-charge pressure be set to 80 percent of system pressure. Lower pre-charge pressures may be specified elsewhere, but our experiences show that this is a low enough pressure to allow the membrane to move freely during operation while maximizing the gas volume. We will use 0.80 in the formula as the “% Pre-Charge” for 80 percent.

The result of the previous calculation is then divided by a constant. As noted previously, the constant is a function of pump configuration. We use a conservative 1.5 for simplex pumps, 2 for duplex pumps, and 7 for triplex pumps. Remember-if the fluid is compressible, then the constant may have to be adjusted downward.

Fluid volumes above mean are well within the range of these constants. The fluid pulse above mean flow from a simplex pump, for example, is about 60 percent. When we divide full stroke displacement by 1.5 the result is a conservative 67 percent. The divisor 7 that we use for triplex pumps allows for a nominal 14 percent fluid volume above mean. While 14 percent is far above the actual 4 percent produced by triplex pumps, the higher volume is an allowance for practical reasons, specifically size and nozzle limits. Otherwise, the result would be a very small dampener relative to pump size.

Ranges of (process) temperature and pressure must be considered in any sizing calculations for pulsation dampeners. Compensations must be made for temperature variations, which affect gas density, and dynamic variations in system pressure, since sizing is based on a set pre-charge pressure.

The objective is to select a dampener that is adequately sized to handle a range of operating pressures with a single pre-charge pressure. Remember that the gas pre-charge pressure should always be based on the minimum operating pressure as the pulsation dampener will have no effect when the system pressure is below the pre-charge pressure.

In instances of either (or both) temperature and pressure variation, we compensate by multiplying the result of our original calculation by the ratio of minimum and maximum temperature and pressure extremes.

Changes in ambient temperature can also influence gas density, but they’re generally disregarded for the purposes of pulsation dampener sizing. It is usually sufficient to make seasonal adjustments to pre-charge pressures, if necessary. Temperature and pressure calculations are recommended to be done using absolute values (Kelvin for temperature and BarA or PSIA for pressure).

Some fluids are highly compressible, such as cryogenics, olefins, liquefied gases, anhydrous ammonia, etc. In these instances, the benefit of lower pulsations from multiple piston pumps may be somewhat compromised. Fluid compression occurs during the leading edge of the (eccentric) crank angle. Given sufficient pressure and a high enough compressibility factor, there may be little or no overlap of pulses at all-in which case, adjustments have to be made and pulsation dampeners with larger gas volumes should be selected.

By installing a properly-sized pulsation dampener, users can reduce or eliminate pipe shake, vibration and noise. The result is a continuous flow of product which is required in many metering, mixing and spraying applications. Reduced pressure pulsations minimize long-term damage to instrumentation and pump components while improving the accuracy of many flowmeters and increasing pump efficiency.

For both onshore and offshore drilling applications, American Block’s pulsation dampeners are manufactured and hydro-tested by our legacy in-house team of experts. These dampeners are designed to meet the most demanding large-volume and high-slurry pump applications and provide ease of installation and elongated service life for the Operator.

ATO supplies forged and casted steel pulsation dampeners which are inter-changeable and compatible with Hydril series "K" dampeners, Emsco series "PD" dampeners and Bomco series "KB" dampeners. These units are dependable and reliable with API connections

should be mounted in the vertical position (refer to Figure 1-3 and 1-4 for mounting options) with the mating flange connection at the bottom. The discharge dampener should be mounted as close as possible to the discharge port of the pump. If possible, it is advantageous that the dampener be mounted in such a way that the fluid stream is directed towards the fluid opening (see Figures 1-3 and 1-4) for maximum performance.

The correct precharge is vital for maximizing efficiency of the pulsation dampener. Generally, precharge pressure is based on the average operating pressure of the system, but precharge can be affected by other system parameters; for example. the use of MWD tools. For these applications, consult qualified Hydril personnel for correct precharging instructions.

The start and stop action of positive displacement pumps rapidly accelerates and decelerates fluid in motion resulting in pulsations observed as pressure spikes. Pulsation dampeners absorb the energy of these pressure spikes by accumulating and then releasing process fluid when the pump is on its suction stroke. By keeping the fluid in motion, dampeners eliminate vibration and the pulsing, inconsistent flow caused by pulsation.

Water hammer (or hydraulic shock) occurs when fluid in motion is suddenly started, stopped or forced to change direction. Quick closing valves, rapid pump startup/shutdown, even changes in the pipe profile, can cause an abrupt change in fluid velocity producing violent and sometimes catastrophic water hammer. Surge suppressors act as shock absorbers by accumulating and releasing process fluid as needed to slow the rate of fluid velocity change to a level low enough to prevent water hammer.

Pulsation problems often start on the suction side. Pulsation or cavitation is caused by the variation of fluid movement within a contained system. Since fluid is non-compressible, the energy produced by this pulsation or cavitation must be compensated for. With the introduction of pulsation equipment into a system this energy now has a place to expend itself. Without the pulsation equipment involved in your pumping system, the pulsation or cavitation that is present can lead to the following:

The EQUAFLUX 100 pulsation dampener is installed downstream of the pump to reduce pulsations and create a smooth and laminar flow. The casing can be manufactured in many materials, including; polypropylene, PVDF, PPS-V and stainless steel 316. The diaphragms come in PTFE as standard, the combinations of material options make this pulsation dampener suitable for use with a wide range of fluids.

A pulsation dampener works by creating an area of low pressure that absorbs the pulsations emitted by the pump. A diaphragm is fitted that has a cushion of compressed air, this flexes and absorbs the pulsations. The EQUAFLUX 100 is connected to the air line and fed with compressed air, the diaphragm and air work in conjunction and automatically adjust the pressure to minimise pulsations in the pipework.

The EQUAFLUX 100 pulsation dampener can be utilised for many fluids in the industrial and marine markets, including; fuels, oils, chemicals, acids, waste water, glues, resins, paints and inks. Applications for this pulsation dampener include; mechanical and metalworking industry, ceramic industry, petrochemical, waste water treatment, biofuels, marine (bilge, slop, sewage), mining, textile industry, automotive industry, paint industry, cosmetic industry, cleaning industry and ink and print industry

This pulsation dampener is Atex zone 2 as standard meaning it is suitable for operation in non safe potentially flammable environments. As an option, this can can come in an Atex zone 1 version if required.

Pulsation Dampener (Surge damper) is installed on the discharge pipeline of the mud pump to balance the peak value of the high-pressure fluid pressure of the mud pump, so as to stabilize the pressure and reduce losses.

This paper focuses on the operational experience that was gained during field test of the Hex Pump on a land rig in Jasper, Texas in October 2003. This field test showed that the pulsation frequency in the flow from the Hex Pump did not interfere with the MWD-measurements, providing a much cleaner signal to the directional driller. Also, the overall power consumption on the rig was reduced due to use of AC-motors.