MECHANICAL PIPING SYSTEMS

"Right Combination"
reduces pump vibration
1996 ASHRAE Systems and Equipment Handbook depicts an installation like Flex-Hose Co.'s PumpSaverTM line as an efficient, cost-effective solution for the reduction of vibration in mechanical piping systems.
 

Flex-Hose-Co.'s PumpSaverTM braided metal pump connectors are designed and manufactured under very stringent quality assurance criteria to ensure they will outlast a 3-year warranty.

 

If you're reading this information, it is likely that at some time you've been involved in specifying, installing, or providing solutions designed to reduce vibration in mechanical piping systems. Mechanical room pumps, chillers, cooling towers, fans, and boilers generate vibration and noise. Sound, or noise, is the result of a vibration in an elastic medium. Even in the best designed systems, there is no feasible way to avoid all noise and vibration... they are simply inherent in the process. A pump, for example, delivers a continuous stream of pulses to the fluid as the impeller blades pass the cutoff in their housing.
 

Referring to the 1995 ASHRAE Applications Handbook (Chapter 43 - Sound & Vibration Control, pg. 43.34/.39/.40)... All piping systems have mechanical vibration generated by the equipment which is transmitted by the pipe wall and the water column. Flexible pipe connectors (1) provide piping flexibility to permit isolators to function properly, (2) protect equipment from strain (stress) due to misalignment, and (3) attenuate noise and vibration transmission along the piping. All flexible connectors require end restraint to counteract the pressure thrust. Metal hose is constructed with a corrugated inner core and braided cover that helps attain a pressure rating and provides end restraints that eliminate the need for supplemental control assemblies.

Although there are numerous proposals for resolving vibration problems inherent to mechanical piping systems, each having its own merits, the following proposal will specifically address an efficient and cost-effective solution using braided metal pump connectors. The information presented represents a collective effort by specifying engineers, HVAC mechanical contractors, representatives/distributors of pump manufacturers and HVAC mechanical equipment, and a leading manufacturer of braided metal pump connectors (Flex-Hose Co., Inc.).

The 1996 ASHRAE Systems and Equipment Handbook (Ch. 38 - Centrifugal Pumps) depicts a typical baseplate mounted centrifugal

pump installation. The Installation and Operating notes specifically reference flexible connectors in note 11... "Install vibration isolators in the pump suction and discharge lines to reduce the transmission of vibration noise to building spaces.

Figure 1 - Centrifugal Pump Installation

 

Figure 1 (above) depicts a base mounted pump installation on a spring inertia base along with other system components... including the shutoff valves, suction diffuser, multi-purpose valve, and braided metal pump connectors on both the suction and discharge.
Figure 1 - Option A (at left) depicts a standard stainless steel braided metal flexible pumpconnector with flanges. These connectors are used to prevent damage to pumps caused by piping stress while also reducing pipeline vibration and noise transmission in pump installations. These connectors are easily installed and reduce the possibility of pump failure.

(SMP PumpSaverTM manufactured by Flex-Hose Co., Inc.)

Figure 1 - Option B (at left) illustrates a modified stainless steel braided metal flexible pump connector which provides easy transition from a pump flange to grooved piping. This style pump connector allows easy installation with only one piping system component.

(SF-15PxVG PumpSaverTM manufactured by Flex-Hose Co., Inc.)

Option A

Option B
 

Figure 1 - Option C (at left) further illustrates a very efficient and cost-effective transition from the smaller diameter pump flange to the larger diameter flange of the discharge piping. The Increasing Flex pump connector, which utilizes an integral size transition, with optimal flow characteristics provides a time-saving direct connection from the pump discharge to the outlet piping and other system components.

(SF/CI-15P PumpSaverTM manufactured by Flex-Hose Co., Inc.)

  

Figure 1 - Option D (at left) takes the cost-effective and time-saving Increasing Flex pump connector products (Option C) a giant-step further.This installation also provides an integral size transition by using an Increasing Flex pumpconnector from the smaller diameter pump flange to the larger diameter grooved fittings of piping and other system components specified with grooved piping

(SF/CI-15PxVG PumpSaverTM manufactured by Flex-Hose Co., Inc.).

Option C

 Option D
 

· PumpSaverTM products installed in accordance with Flex-Hose Co. specifications are supported by a 3-year warranty.

· Floating flange and other custom fitting configurations available