Damping of Self-Excited Pressure Pulsations in Petrodiesel Pipeline

Abstract

A pumping station in a fuel storage suffered from pressure pulsations in a petrodiesel pipeline. Check valves protecting the station against back flow made a big noise when disc hit a seat. Due to employees complaints we were asked to solve the problem, which could lead to serious mechanical problems. Pressure measurement in the pipeline showed great pulsations, which were caused by self-excited oscillation of control valves at the downstream end of pipeline. The operating measurement did not catch it because of too low sampling frequency. One dimensional numerical model of the whole hydraulic system was carried out. The model consisted of check valve, pipeline and control valve, which could oscillate, so it was possible to simulate the unsteady flow. When the model was validated, a vessel with nitrogen was added to attenuate pressure pulsations. According to the results of numerical simulation, the vessel was installed on the location. Subsequent measurement proved noticeably lower pulsations and almost no noise.