Pulsation dampeners are frequently used to reduce piping pressure pulsations and vibrations in reciprocating pump systems. Despite their extensive use, scientific understanding of how the dampeners work and what design parameters are important needs considerable development. To advance this understanding, the authors' company initiated an extensive dampener evaluation test program in cooperation with five leading manufacturers of commercial bladder type dampeners. All dampeners were tested in a special test loop under identical conditions to analyze the effect of a dampeners design on its effectiveness. Pressure measurements at several points in the piping were made as a function of pump speed, bladder precharge pressure, and suction and discharge line pressures for each dampener. Results indicate that the type and location of dampener have a considerable influence on pulsations. Dampeners are effective over a much broader range of precharge pressures than generally believed. Based on these findings, a number of practical recommendations in the selection and use of dampeners are offered.
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