Dynamic piping analysis: slug, PSV, compressors and vibration
Time-varying loads are where static checks run out. Slug flow, relief-valve thrust, reciprocating machines and flow-induced vibration analysed to the right depth.
Many piping failures are not caused by weight or temperature but by loads that change in time: a liquid slug hitting a bend, the thrust of a relief valve opening, the pulsation of a reciprocating compressor, or turbulence downstream of a control valve. They lead to fatigue, loosened supports and damaged nozzles.
The studio covers the full range — from screening with the Energy Institute guidelines to modal, harmonic and time-history analysis — and has long experience with compressor and pump packages for refrigeration, LNG and gas processing, delivered for package vendors and EPC contractors.
What the package covers
- Slug-flow loads on bends and supports, with dynamic load factors or time-history analysis.
- PSV and blow-down reaction forces, open and closed discharge systems.
- Compressor and pump package piping: API 617, 618, 619 and 674; coordination with API 618 pulsation studies.
- Modal analysis and support optimisation to move natural frequencies away from excitation.
- Vibration screening of process pipework (Energy Institute guidelines) and on-site troubleshooting.
- Response-spectrum seismic analysis.
Typical deliverables
- Dynamic load definition and assumptions.
- Modal / harmonic / time-history results.
- Support and restraint design loads.
- Recommendations for supports, snubbers or routing changes.
Dynamic and package references
15 documented assignments in this field. All references →
| Project | Contract chain | Country | Calculation scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLNG Train 7 Dynamic & packages | Clauger-Tecnofrigo / Saipem-Daewoo | Nigeria | API 619 compressor-package piping stress calculations up to 18 inch. |
| Búzios Field Dynamic & packages | Mayekawa / Saipem / Petrobras | Brazil | API 619 compressor piping calculations, including fibreglass lines. |
| Armenia 250 MW CCGT Dynamic & packages | GEA / Renco / ArmPower | Armenia | API 617 compressor-related piping calculations. |
| ALBA Power Station 5 Dynamic & packages | GEA / GE-GAMA / Aluminium Bahrain | Bahrain | API 619 compressor piping calculations up to 18 inch. |
| Franklin PE3 Dynamic & packages | Mayekawa / Shell / Bechtel | USA | Refrigeration-package piping stress calculations. |
| ZAPSIB-2 Dynamic & packages | Mayekawa / Technip | Russia | Refrigeration-package piping calculations. |
| Amursky GPP Phase 4 Dynamic & packages | Mayekawa / Linde | Russia | Gas processing and helium plant package piping calculations. |
| Future Growth Project Dynamic & packages | GEA / TCO | Kazakhstan | Chiller-package piping stress calculations. |
Frequently asked questions
Can you assess a line that is already vibrating?
Yes. A screening based on the Energy Institute guidelines and, where useful, site measurements and a modal model identify the cause and the cheapest effective fix.
What inputs are needed for a slug analysis?
Slug velocity, density and length (from process or flow-assurance studies) and the line geometry; where only flow regime data exist, conservative values are agreed.
Do you perform API 618 acoustic studies?
The pulsation (acoustic) study is normally done by a specialist; the studio performs the mechanical piping analysis and coordinates the interface with it.
Need a stress analysis, a calculation package or a second opinion?
Send the line list, isometrics or model and the applicable code: you receive a defined scope and a fixed-price proposal.