Suction Stabiliser

Listing ID #4674196

Reciprocating pumps often suffer from pulsation problems on both the suction and discharge side. Many of the problems can be traced to poor suction conditions where the pressure at the inlet to the pump is less than that required by the pump manufacturer.

The suction pressure available at the inlet to the pump is often referred to as either NPSHa (Nett Positive Suction Head available) or NPIP (Nett Positive Inlet Pressure).

The Flo-Dyne Suction Stabiliser is a gas, or vapour, charged pulsation dampener which if installed at the pump suction will eliminate all NPSH problems and ensure a smooth running pump. For maximum effect the suction stabiliser may be combined with the Flo-Dyne liquid filled discharge pulsation dampener. It is ideal for use on pumping systems where pumping conditions change, or where the pumped liquid is not compatible with rubber membranes or cellular foams.

The Flo-Dyne suction stabiliser works by using a gas cushion over the pumped liquid so that we can then reduce acceleration head and pulsation by exploiting three basic properties, which each contributes to the overall elimination of pulsation and NPSH problems:

Dampening Effect:

Every suction stabiliser has a gas charge which, as it is obviously more compressible than the liquid being pumped, will provide a capacitance or spring effect which in turn will absorb the pulsation created by the abrupt flow change as the pump suction valves open and close.

Separation Effect:

Flow through the suction stabiliser is slowed and rotated before leaving through the exit nozzle. By controlling the transit time and flow velocities through the equipment, entrained gases are encouraged to break out of solution and collect at the top of the stabiliser instead of passing directly into the pump inlet nozzle which reduces the quantity of entrained gas entering the pump, thereby reducing or eliminating the conditions for cavitation to happen.

Volume Effect:

The suction stabiliser acts as a mini-storage tank, the stabiliser provides a full charge of liquid when the pump valves open and allows for smooth acceleration and deceleration of the liquid in the line. By providing the tank volume close to the pump, acceleration head is eliminated and the possibility of cavitation occurring in the pump cylinders is eliminated.

The suction stabiliser will provide complete compliance with the requirements of API674 for pulsation levels.

All units are constructed to meet your local and national regulatory requirements and will be made either as piping, or pressure vessels, to fit into your piping.

Units are typically built to ASME VIII vessel code, or ASME B31 piping code, however, supply to other national codes such as IBR, CODAP, and Stoomwezen is always possible. Each unit may be supplied with connecting flanges, or with bevelled connections, and ready for welding directly into your pipework system.

A sight gauge, suitable level instrumentation, or an automated control system can be provided to monitor or control the gas / liquid level.