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Pipe Lengths to Avoid Calculator

Calculate which pipe lengths to avoid to control pulsation in off-skid piping of reciprocating compressor systems

The lengths of piping to and from headers or in dead legs can significantly affect pulsation levels and the need for pulsation controls.

Resonant pipe lengths lead to overly conservative pulsation control on the compressor and often require additional off-skid pulsation controls, such as orifice plates, Helmholtz resonators and line expansions or reductions, causing unnecessary project delays and increased costs.

This tool helps you learn how to avoid resonant piping lengths by calculating ½ waves and ¼ waves in the system (see formulae below).

Instructions:

  1. Select your preferred system of units
  2. Select your cylinder action
  3. Enter the operating speed range of your compressor. For fixed-speed machines, enter the same speed in both fields.
  4. Enter the speed(s) of sound (if unknown, see this reference list or calculate the speed of sound here based on your gas properties)
  5. Press the "Calculate" button

Disclaimer: All calculations provided on this website are intended for educational use only.

Compressor specs

Compressor specs
Units
Cylinder action
Compressor operating speed range (RPM) Please enter a value between 1 - 18000 RPM Please enter a value between 1 - 18000 RPM Please enter a value above minimum speed
Speed of sound () Please enter a value between 1 - 50000
Speed of sound 2 (optional) () Please enter a value between 1 - 50000

Results

Pipe lengths to avoid between two volumes
Speed of sound: {{rpmRow.speed}} () Lengths () between two volumes to avoid
Operating speed (RPM) Double acting Single acting
{{speed}} {{double}} {{single}}
Dead-leg pipe lengths to avoid
Speed of sound: {{rpmRow.speed}} () Dead-leg pipe lengths () to avoid
Operating speed (RPM) Double acting Single acting
{{speed}} {{double}} {{single}}

How to calculate pipe lenghts to avoid acoustical resonances

Pipe lengths from volume to end of dead leg
Certain pipe lengths can significantly increase pulsation

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Learn how to avoid acoustical/pulsation problems when designing reciprocating compressor and piping systems.
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