01. About →
What are we talking about and why is it important.
About Pulsation Dampeners
Pulsation dampeners are devices installed at the discharge side of reciprocating positive displacement pumps. They enhance hydraulic system performance and extend pumps’ service life by controlling pressure and flow variations. If you’re looking to boost your pumping systems’ all-around performance and improve your fluid flows’ reliability, a pulsation dampener is an excellent place to start.
What They Do
The reciprocating nature of positive displacement pumps creates pulsations or pressure gaps that may damage the entire pump system over time. Pressure gaps can also result from the opening and closing of pump check valves. Pulsation dampeners act much like the shock absorbers on a car, dampening the resulting hydraulic shocks and minimizing pipe rattle and pressure fluctuations. A solid pulsation dampener will reduce the energy present in the pumped media, increasing the effectiveness of additional tools used in the system.
By minimizing shock and excess movement, pulsation dampeners reduce system components’ damage, particularly pipe welds and supports. The result is an increase in pump efficiency, safety, reliability, and decreased downtime, maintenance, and operating costs.
How They Work
All pulsation dampeners utilize one of two methods for mitigating energy produced by reciprocating pumps; compression or exchange. The traditional gas-charged dampeners use a compressible gas cushion, either by a gas over liquid or gas-filled diaphragms, bladders, or cartridge. As the reciprocating pump produces pressure spikes, the gas compresses, thus absorbing the pressure difference and smoothing the pumped media flow. For maintenance free pulsation dampeners, rely on energy exchange. There is a common misconception regarding maintenance free pulsation control devices that the pumped media is compressible enough to absorb the reciprocating pumps’ pressure spikes. This is not true. However, the maintenance free pulsation dampeners work by utilizing the kinetic energy exchange. This kinetic energy exchange can only happen if the pulsation dampener’s volume is large enough to dissipate enough energy to reduce the adverse effects caused by the reciprocating pump. This is why maintenance free pulsation devices require massive volumes to be effective. Sigma Drilling Technologies has developed a pulsation dampening system that utilizes both methods for reducing the harmful effects of positive displacement pumps, both compression and exchange.
Pulsation Dampeners create a low-pressure area to absorb pulsation and smooth out the flow of pumped media.
Pulsation Dampener Applications
Pulsation dampeners are used in various applications because they can work in virtually all pressurized (pump) systems. They are generally applied on electronic or mechanical devices wherever there is a need to:
- Prevent pipe hammer or vibration.
- Minimize pulsations to protect or improve the accuracy of downstream instrumentation.
- Minimize pulsations as a dictate of process.
- Reduce the load on the pump.
Any industry where fluid flow applications are involved can benefit from the use of pulsation dampeners. They are engineered to withstand extreme environments, such as abrasive, corrosive, high-pressure, and high-temperature fluids.
Industry Uses:
Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing
Food and beverage manufacturing
Oil prospection and refining
Petrochemical production
Wastewater treatment & water distribution
Power generation
Our Pulsation Dampener Solutions
As a pulsation control solution leader, Sigma Drilling Technologies takes pride in providing everything from quality custom engineered products to groundbreaking upgrades for existing systems. Our goal is to help clients succeed and get the most out of their equipment investment.
If you’re interested in learning what we can do for you and your business, call (281) 656-9298 or fill out our contact form today!
