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Flow-Induced Vibration (FIV) Analysis

Design Analysis and Field Troubleshooting

Flow-induced vibration, or vortex shedding, is due to high flow velocities such as in a piping
dead leg of a centrifugal compressor system. This study evaluates vortex shedding and
potential vibration across dead leg branches. The study can also include FIV excitation of
small-bore piping and components in the flow, such as thermowells.
An FIV study is recommended for new projects involving centrifugal compressors and other
high flow gas systems. It can also be part of BETA's Piping Vibration and Integrity
Assessment per Energy Institute, 2008, Guidelines for the avoidance of vibration induced
fatigue failure in process pipework (AVIFF).

Contents [ hide ]

1 Background

2 Common Problem Areas

3 FIV Design Analysis

4 FIV Field Troubleshooting Service

5 Related Information

6 Related Services

7 Key Words

1 Background

Flow-Induced Vibrations, and the physical parameters

which control them, are of significant importance to
design engineers and operators. The potential of these
phenomena to cause catastrophic failure to piping
engineering systems and unacceptably high levels of
environmental and occupational noise has motivated
significant effort to understand and mitigate these
problems. Source: preface, FIV 2012 Conference,
Ireland.
Flow disturbance (or vortex shedding) is caused by
flow past:
Figure 1: Example of vortex shedding
from an object in the flowstream.
Souce: acusim.com

Thermowells or other objects insert in the

flow stream (Figure 1), or

A deadleg branch such as a recycle line or relief line (Figure 2)

At specific frequencies, the flow will excite acoustic resonance, producing high pulsations.
These pulsations can excite mechanical resonances, producing high vibration and fatigue
failure on the affected piping.

Flow creates vortices and

excitation.
The excitation frequency
is determined from this
formula:

Where:
S = Strouhal number
v = fluid velocity
d = branch diameter

Vortex Shedding Frequency (VSF)

= S (v/d)

A similar phenomenon happens when you blow air

across an open bottle, producing a tonal response.

Figure 2: Example of "Dead Leg

Branch"

For high flow gas systems, such as the dead leg shown in Figure 2, high pressure pulsations
will be generated when the Vortex Shedding Frequency (VSF) coincides with the Acoustic
Natural Frequency (ANF)of the branch. This interaction will cause small-bore piping to
vibrate and potentially fail. It is interesting to note that the highest flow rate may not cause the
worst vibration.
2 Common Problem Areas

FIV is typically evaluated on centrifugal compressor piping systems. Some risks may also
exist with high flow screw compressors. Refer to this page for three examples of FIV
problems: Piping Vibration Examples

FIV is also a problem on production risers (offshore), heat exchanger tubes, and many other
industrial applications. The figure below illustrates a FIV problem that BETA solved on an
exhaust tower.
3 FIV Design Analysis

BETA offers the following FIV design services for piping systems, including centrifugal
compressor systems:

Evaluate the applicable piping location to determine the likelihood of vortex shedding,
pulsation and vibration problems. For dead leg branches, BETA evaluates FIV based
on geometry, flow regime, and acoustic modes. The methodology described in Energy
Institutes Guidelines for the avoidance of vibration induced fatigue failure in process
pipework (AVIFF) is used.

Optional FIV Service: For thermowells and probes, the calculated vortex shedding
frequency is separated from the components mechanical natural frequency (MNF).

Advanced FIV Evaluation: For complex dead leg branches a more detailed FIV study
can be done. In certain cases, a forced response of the piping system can be
undertaken.

Where there is a risk of fatigue failure, recommendations are provided. For centrifugal
compressor piping systems, the FIV Study and Acoustic-Induced Vibration Study (AIV
Study) are sometimes both required.
4 FIV Field Troubleshooting Service

BETAs experienced field team is involved in troubleshooting FIV problems at existing plants.
FIV troubleshooting applications include:

Small-bore piping failures on centrifugal compressors, including thermowells and

instrumentation

Piping shell mode vibration problems

FIV on heat exchanger tubes

FIV on piping risers

For field troubleshooting, it is necessary to measure the pulsation, vibration and stress at site,
as well as determine the MNF and ANF. In many cases, the field measurements are used in a
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to determine piping stress.
If you are involved in the design or operation of high pressure systems, contact BETA for
application support relating to FIV and other vibration issues.
5 Related Information

Piping Vibration Examples

FIV case study (field troubleshooting on centrifugal compressor) (PDF)

Energy Institute Guidlines (2008)

6 Related Services

Piping Vibration and Integrity Assessment (Energy Institute Study, 2008, AVIFF)

Surge Control Dynamic Analysis (centrifugal compressors)

Pipe Stress Analysis

Flow-Induced Turbulence (FIT) Analysis

Acoustic-Induced Vibration (AIV) Analysis

7 Key Words

Vortex shedding

Vortex-induced vibration

Flow-induced pulsations

Flow-induced excitations

Energy Institute Guideline (2008)

Centrifugal compressor vibration

Avoidance of vibration induced fatigue failure in process pipework (AVIFF)