Applying The Energy Institute And GMRC/PRCI Guidelines For The Avoidance Or Reduction Of Vibration Problems In Small Diameter Piping Branch Connections

Pump piping systems typically have small diameter branch connections that can develop vibration related fatigue failures due to mechanical excitation. Many installations do not take time to design small diameter piping to avoid this issue. However, the risk of fatigue failure of small diameter branch connections can be reduced using two alternative guidelines developed by the Energy Institute and GMRC/PRCI. This tutorial will show that the guidelines can be used in two ways. In the design stage, it will show the user how to design small diameter piping in a way that reduces the risk of vibration problems. For piping that is already installed, the tutorial will show the end user how to screen branch lines for susceptibility to fatigue failure and reduce or eliminate the vibration problems by adding clamps, changing the piping diameter, or changing the number or type of valves. Case studies of real world small bore piping connections will be used to demonstrate the method an end user would use to screen branch lines and, if necessary, reduce vibration problems in the piping and avoid future fatigue failures. Both guidelines will be applied to all case studies, and the resulting