Operational safety of self-excited oscillations in side branches in piping systems

Purpose Conditions may occur in the operation of pressure piping systems that were not considered in the design process. One group of such non-standard operating situations are vibrations. Design/methodology/approach These can be caused by compressor operation or self-excited oscillations in side branches. The occurrence of self-excited oscillations may be dangerous to the integrity of the pipeline or cause fatigue of the material. The paper presents the geometrical and fluid conditions for the occurrence of self-excited oscillations in pressure pipelines. Findings For selected pipeline sections, the critical flow velocities for oscillations are determined. Essential steps for assessing the safety of pipeline T-branch operation in terms of possible oscillations and the consequent risk of fatigue failure are formulated. Originality/value Essential steps for assessing the safety of pipeline T-branch operation in terms of possible oscillations and the consequent risk of fatigue failure are formulated.