Pulsation Measurement
Correctly measuring pulsation is more difficult than it seems. As mentioned elsewhere (Link), Pressure = LinePressure + Kinetic Pressure + Pulsation. Line Pressure (LP) usually is measured without much problem. LP can be affected by Pulsation when long tubing leads to the pressure sensor (see Figure 1). Industry-type pressure sensors tend to be placed on a small bore fitting, often with a blocking valve situated between the pressure sensor and the flange (see Figure 1- flange not shown). This setup works for Line Pressure and suppresses Kinetic Pressure, but is less ideal for pulsation...
read moreShock Waves from Non-linear Wave Steepening
Wave steepening is a non-linear wave propagation effect that arises for strong pulsation in bubbly liquids, e.g. as is the case for reciprocating pumps and water or oil based mud. Steepening form repetetive shocks and may adversely affect pump equipment and piping fatigue life. To understand this shock generating mechanism, we must first better understand what is implied by the phrase Pressure. There are three pressure components: Line Pressure (LP) Kinetic Pressure (KP) Pulsation Line Pressure is the stationary part of the pressure, Kinetic Pressure is pressure that moves with the flow...
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