Selection guide for pulsation and mechanical analyses

Reciprocating compressors

Per API 618 (5th edition), there are several approaches (scopes) for a pulsation and vibration analysis.
This chart helps select the appropriate scope for a new or modified reciprocating compressor installation.

Design approach 1 (DA1)

Bottle design, no pulsation analysis, good engineering judgment

• Non‐critical application (no impact if unit fails or experiences vibration problem)

• Experience with similar units indicates the likelihood of successful operation
• Fixed speed and low power (<150 HP/throw)

Design approach 2 (DA2)

Digital pulsation analysis, basic mechanical review

• Fixed speed, below 900 RPM, few load steps

• Medium power applications (150 – 450 HP/throw)

Perform a DA2 analysis if any of the above design factors are met. This scope meets requirements and intent of API 618
(5th edition) DA2 (formerly called M.2 – M.4 study). The mechanical review based on experience (no finite element
analysis (FEA) modeling).

Standard design approach 3 (DA3)

Mechanical and pulsation analysis

• Important application, non‐spared, remote site

• Moderate speed range required (eg, up to 25% turndown)
• Many load steps (including single- and double-acting)

Any of the above factors require a more detailed mechanical analysis of the compressor system. This scope meets
requirements and intent of API 618 (5th edition) DA3 (formerly called M.2 – M.5 study). The pulsation analysis is based
on acoustic modeling of the on‐skid and off‐skid piping and vessels over the range of all expected operating
conditions. The mechanical analysis is based on accurate FEA modeling of the compressor and piping system to
determine mechanical natural frequencies (MNFs) and recommendations to avoid resonance.

Complete design approach 3 (DA3)

Mechanical and pulsation analysis + forced response analysis

• Critical unit (significant consequences due to compressor downtime, remotely located, etc)
• High power (>750 HP/throw) or where rod loads >80% of rated and HP > 450 HP/throw
• Wide speed range required and >50% turndown (rubber compressor)

Any of these factors require more accurate prediction of vibrations and stresses due to gas loads and pulsation-induced
forces. This requires a forced response analysis of the immediate compressor area. It is important to consider stress and
vibration levels up to 150 Hz, not just avoiding resonance at one- and two-times operating speed. This scope meets
requirements and intent of API 618 (5th edition) DA3 steps 2, 3a, 3b1 (formerly called M.2 – M.6 study). The mechanical
analysis based on accurate FEA modeling of the compressor and piping system to determine MNFs and
recommendations to avoid resonance.

Vibration, dynamics and noise (VDN)

Specification
To ensure the pulsation analysis meets the API 618 requirements, the end user, EPC or packager must specify the
required methodology and deliverables. The following specification is recommended:
http://www.betamachinery.com/knowledge-center/specifications
Avoid specifications that result in poor accuracy of pulsations and vibration predictions. For more information, visit
www.betamachinery.com/knowledge-center/important-differences-in-pulsation-software

Other options
Torsional vibration analysis (TVA)
Typically required for any new driver/reciprocating load combination. The torsional analysis helps designing the system
to avoid costly torsional failures and ensures safe operation of the compressor and driver. Typically, recommendations
from the torsional analysis include coupling selection, flywheel sizing, driver shaft design or compressor cylinder
loading changes.

Piping stress/flexibility (thermal) analysis

Predicts the cooler nozzle loads and piping stresses resulting from thermal cycles, pipe and fitting weights, static
pressure and bolt‐up strains. A thermal analysis will reduce the risk of excessive nozzle load or pipe strain. The scope
typically includes the discharge piping between compressors and coolers.

When clamps are used to avoid mechanical resonances, thermal flexibility effects should also be considered.

Forced response for off-skid piping (DA3, Step 3b2, formerly M7)
Predicts the vibration and stress in piping system away from compressor due to pulsation forces. If pulsations are
adequately controlled by the bottles/filter, then this analysis is not required.

Skid analysis
Required if a new or modified skid design is part of the package or a proven skid is used in a new application. The skid
analysis investigates skid stresses due to lifting, transportation, seismic loads and other quasi‐ static forces. In some
cases, the scope will focus on a dynamic vibration analysis of the skid members based on compressor and driver
forces. The purpose is to optimize the skid design (lower costs) while ensuring sufficient static and dynamic stiffness.

Foundation/offshore structural vibration analysis

Often required. This scope may be issued directly from the engineering consultant (not part of packager scope). A
dynamic vibration analysis is commonly included to avoid resonance problems on the foundation or offshore
platform/FPSO. This should include the major equipment (eg, compressor, driver, scrubbers, bottles), dynamic forces,
skid and supporting structure and provides recommendations on the foundation or structural design.

Compressor design optimization (using system performance model)

Many customers require accurate performance data for the entire compressor system (including piping, vessels, cooler,
pulsation bottles, etc.). This analysis accurately predicts the power, capacity, system pressure drop and other
performance factors, and compares the results to the original specification. The model can be used to optimize the
design and recommend changes to increase throughput and reduce losses. Incremental throughput will result in
significant payback to the end user.

Field baseline vibration check

A vibration baseline check should be performed at or soon after start‐up. The objective of the check is to confirm that
recommendations have been correctly implemented and to ensure running vibration and pulsation levels are

Selection guide for pulsation and mechanical analyses woodplc.com/vdn

acceptable. It is also recommended to check vibration on small-bore piping and instrumentation lines, as they
are prone to failures and are not addressed in the standard pulsation/vibration analysis.

An optional performance check of new units will verify loading curves, examine valve behavior, optimize valve lift and
determine baseline performance data.

Dynamic and static stress calculation on pulsation bottle internals

Applies pulsation‐induced shaking forces and pressure‐induced static forces to the shell and vessel internals and
computes stress levels to satisfy API 618. A stress calculations of bottle internals will ensure long-term reliability of
important components hidden from view.

Compressor valve dynamic response analysis

Calculates the dynamic response of the valve spring and sealing elements.

For more information on the scopes and requirements of these analyses, refer to our dedicated vibration, dynamics
and noise website or contact our application support team.

Selection guide for pulsation and mechanical analyses woodplc.com/vdn