Flow Induced Vibration (FIV)
Flow induced vibration (FIV) occurs due to pressure pulsation in the flow that cause the pipe to vibrate, (whether it be the main pipe run, or subsequent attached branches or fittings). It is at locations where high velocities and substantial mass flows generate significant amounts of kinetic energy that are most susceptible. Turbulence is generated at flow discontinuities, leading to vibration with frequency typically <100 Hz. This often results in the permanent deformation of pipes with a subsequent loss of product, assets, and revenue.
FIV – WKC Approach
At WKC we help operators, FEED and EPC engineers identify and eliminate the risk to FIV during the design phase of the Project to minimise impacts to plant layout design and Project budgets.
We would recommend our clients conduct an FIV screening study in accordance with:
The EI Guidelines provides a screening methodology that reports a likelihood of failure (LOF) to determine potential risk. The method is based on historical empirical data & finite element analysis modelling.
Our approach takes the initial kinetic energy into consideration and references it to piping geometry. Thereby assessing the level of risk by comparing the potential flow excitation (turbulence) against the response of the piping (susceptibility).
