Plunger pump vibrations
Plunger pump vibrations
(OP)
We have a plunger pump operating at 335 rpm.
Some time ago a backup was added. The backup pump is smaller and operates at 786 rpm. None of the pumps has a pulsation dampener.
The flowmeter on the common discharge works OK with the larger pump, but shows erratic readings with the smaller pump.
Adding a pulsation dampener was suggested, however I suppose that it is the larger and slower pump that would cause harder flow pulsations and not the smaller pump.
There could also be a matter of mechanical vibrations transmitted through the piping, as the backup pump is installed on a steel construction.
Any ideas are welcome
M
Some time ago a backup was added. The backup pump is smaller and operates at 786 rpm. None of the pumps has a pulsation dampener.
The flowmeter on the common discharge works OK with the larger pump, but shows erratic readings with the smaller pump.
Adding a pulsation dampener was suggested, however I suppose that it is the larger and slower pump that would cause harder flow pulsations and not the smaller pump.
There could also be a matter of mechanical vibrations transmitted through the piping, as the backup pump is installed on a steel construction.
Any ideas are welcome
M





RE: Plunger pump vibrations
What kind of flow meter?
I'd think the higher frequency pulsations from the smaller, higher speed pump could cause more problems, but it's just a guess.
RE: Plunger pump vibrations
The flow meter is an orifice plate.
RE: Plunger pump vibrations
RE: Plunger pump vibrations
I am considering installing a different kind of flowmeter. An electromagnetic meter, with no parts intruding in the flow might be a better fit.
RE: Plunger pump vibrations