Reciprocating pistons create intermittent gas flow, generating acoustic pressure waves. These waves travel through the piping system and reflect off bends, junctions, and vessels. API 688 explains how these waves amplify when they match the acoustic natural frequency of the piping, a phenomenon known as acoustic resonance. 2. Pulsation Suppression Devices
Decreased volumetric efficiency and inaccurate flow metering.
Before API 688, the requirements for managing these dynamic forces were scattered across multiple, individual equipment standards. API 688 consolidates these requirements, creating a unified and consistent framework for controlling pulsation and vibration. It establishes the minimum requirements for engineering analysis and design, ensuring that new machinery systems are not just powerful, but also safe and durable. api 688 pdf
API 688, officially titled "Pulsation and Vibration Control in Positive Displacement Machinery Systems," is a recommended practice. It focuses specifically on the analysis and control of acoustic pulsations and mechanical vibrations. These phenomena are inherent to reciprocating compressors and positive displacement pumps.
To mitigate the resulting structural vibrations, fatigue failures, and piping damage, the American Petroleum Institute (API) developed the . API 688 consolidates these requirements, creating a unified
Originally released as Recommended Practice (RP) 688 in 2012. You can purchase and download the official PDF from the API Standards Store or authorized distributors like Intertek Inform Scope and Applications
: Use baseline pulsation and vibration testing during commissioning to validate the design model accuracy. To help find the exact section you need, let me know: How to Access the PDF
Which are you analyzing?
: It clarifies the "Design Approaches" (e.g., Approach 1, 2, or 3) often referenced in procurement specs: Approach 1 : Simple empirical sizing. Approach 2 : Acoustic simulation only. Approach 3 : Full acoustic and mechanical piping study. How to Access the PDF