EXPANSION JOINT FOR DIESEL PUMP DISCHARGE LINE 1

[alienitmeca]

Hello

I am currently working on fire fighting project for an oil storage facility, I am designing the piping layout including all its components. Such systems are designed according to NFPA Standards, which state the use of emergency Diesel pumps, these pumps are known to generate a great deal of vibration throughout the discharge line.

In order to protect the DISCHARGE LINE from the vibration, it is recommended to use an EXPANSION JOINT, I can't yet make the right choice whether it is necessary or not, maybe vibration isn't that big after all.
So is there a rule of a thumb insisting on using such equipment in diesel pump discharge lines or is there calculations to be elaborated.

The pump being used are axially split pumps and have the biggest rated capacity according to NFPA 20 which is 5000 gpm

looking forward to receiving your responses

 

[stookeyfpe]

See the following thread and talk to a Structural Engineer.

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=347958

 

[alienitmeca]

Thanks stookeyfpe for your reply... even though it has nothing to do with my inquiry, my problem is piping design related, vibration has to do with foundation design, which may explain your post. If you have piping related information I would really appreciate it

 

[stookeyfpe]

What I was trying to point out (I didn't do a good job explaining myself) is that a fire pump should not generate a great deal of vibration. If the foundation is properly designed, you should not need an expansion joint.

I've probably approved 15 diesel driven fire pumps in my career and expansion joints have never been used.