Investigation into the use of constrained-layer damping

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
National Grid Gas Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 March 2014

01 September 2017

42 months

£290,761

Technical Consultancy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Gas Transmission

To investigate the performance and the limitations of constrained layer damping technique as a low cost solution for high frequency acoustic excitation on National Grid Compressor site pipework. The development of the constrained layer damping technique as a low cost solution for high frequency acoustic excitation.

Pipework at National Grid compressor facilities is susceptible to acoustic fatigue caused by the flow of gas and associated pressure drop through the valves. As this happens the internal acoustic energy is generated and transmitted to downstream piping and leading to severe piping excitation. At junctions with small bore pipework, dynamic differential movements and high stress concentrations can lead to high frequency acoustic excitation (HFAE) failure. The most effective solutions available at present are extremely costly and involve large-scale redesigns, focusing on either the flow itself or strengthening of the main pipe through increased wall thickness. Currently a failure, or anticipated failure, would have to be resolved by increasing the pipe wall thickness, or by reducing gas flows, both of which would require significant outages and re-design. It is intended to develop constrained-layer damping (CLD) as solution to HFAE that is both simple and low cost. The project deliverables include: Procurement of test rig and establishing performance Constrained Layer Damping optimisation and testing Constrained Layer Damping adhesion and sealant tests Investigation of Constrained Layer Damping temperature sensitivity Site review Procurement and solution manufacture, including CLD and/or grouted rings Field tests -Baseline testing and setup Field tests -Installation, testing and decommissioning Analysis of Results2015 update: The project is about to commence the site review stage. It has been identified that more internal resource is required to for the development and assess of the site selection aspects. No other changes are required for the project. Update: The project requires an additional six months to complete the field trials due to operational and maintenance requirements of the selected live compressor unit making it unavailable as planned for the field trials, in addition the preparatory works to prepare the unit for the trial were more complex and are taking longer to complete than originally anticipated in the scoping of the project. Other deliverables added are elements of an implementation plan including a vibration management procedure, work procedures for methods of mitigation, an engineering bulletin and delivery of a briefing to engineers in the learning developed by the project. Delivery of these elements further extends the project duration to October 2017.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

21/08/18