Document Type : Invited by Abdolreza Ohadi
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, IRAN
2
Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, IRAN
3
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, IRAN
4
Condition Monitoring Center, Mechanical Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, IRAN
5
Research and Technology Department, South Pars Gas Complex (SPGC), Bushehr, IRAN
6
Process and Operation Unit, South Pars Gas Complex (SPGC), Bushehr, IRAN
10.22064/tava.2025.2026361.1237
Abstract
The regeneration tower within the amine cycle of a gas treatment unit, along with its rich amine inlet pipe, exhibits abnormal vibrations. If left unchecked, these vibrations pose risks of fatigue, potential economic repercussions, and significant harm to personnel and infrastructure. This article is dedicated to meticulously investigating the root causes of the vibrations and proposing pragmatic measures to avert potential breakdowns. A comprehensive analysis of all relevant documentation, encompassing technical particulars, maintenance logs, and operational parameters, is conducted. Subsequently, vibration data is meticulously gathered on both the tower and its inlet pipe, scrutinized against pertinent guidelines and benchmarks, and juxtaposed with the vibrational characteristics of a similar unit. Moreover, employing the impact hammer modal testing method enables the determination of the tower's natural frequencies. The root cause of vibrations is identified as the fluid-structure interaction and resonance using the fishbone diagram. Notably, the vibrational profiles of the two refinery units exhibit striking similarities, with variances not exceeding 15%. In response, a pragmatic approach is proposed through simulation via the COMSOL software, entailing the installation of two viscoelastic dampers at salient high-amplitude locations to reduce vibrations. This solution can fortify the operational integrity and durability of the gas treatment unit.
Highlights
- Vibration analysis of amine pipes and regeneration towers in gas treatment units is performed.
- Detailed root cause failure analysis of amine pipe abnormal vibration is conducted.
- An applicable solution to mitigate vibration in amine pipes is proposed.
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