MATEC Web of Conferences 342, 06001 (2021) https://doi.org/10.

1051/matecconf/202134206001
UNIVERSITARIA SIMPRO 2021

Numeric simulation of the pulsation bottle for a

reciprocating compressor in dynamic regime
Ion Pana1*, and Florinel Dinu2
1University of Petroleum and Gas, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 39 Bucuresti Avenue,
Ploiesti, Romania
2University of Petroleum and Gas, Department of Well Drilling, Extraction and Transport of

Hydrocarbons, 39 Bucuresti Avenue, Ploiesti, Romania

Abstract. The pulsation bottles are mounted at the inlet and outlet of /
from the reciprocating compressor cylinders to even out the gas parameters
(pressure and temperature). They ensure stable working conditions in the
compressor cylinders and eliminate / reduce vibrations. The sizing of the
pulsation bottle is done based on the geometric parameters of the
compressor, the volume efficiency and working pressure. The use of a
dynamic model made in the LMS Amesim program allows the study of a
compressor with a set of pulsation bottles at the modification of: the
pressure and temperature at the inlet / outlet of the compressor, the speed
of the compressor the volume of the dead space and blocking or removing
of the valves. The model includes the compressor cylinder with the
corresponding dead spaces, the compressor valves, the suction and
discharge pipelines and crank connecting rod mechanism. The simulation
takes into account of the: gas composition, temperature and pressure in the
system. The variation of the pressure in the bottles can be checked under
these conditions. The values of the disturbing forces for a range of working
and adjustment parameters can be obtained, values that can be used in a
dynamic analysis according to API 618.

1 Introduction
Most of the vibration problems in gas pipelines are attributed to high pressure pulsations.
The pulsations generated by the compressors are turned into agitation forces at the elbows,
reductions, valves, which in turn excite the connected pipeline network. Vibrations can
cause stresses beyond the limit strength of the pipe material, damage to pipeline, supports
and equipment. In addition, if the pulsation frequency of the source coincides with one of
the natural frequencies of the pipeline / or the equipment mounted on it, the resonance will
occur and the vibrations will be increased on a large scale.
The compressor assembly contains the reciprocating compressor, pulsation dampers,
gas coolers and the connected piping system. Vibration of the compressor lines can
contribute to the failure of the system, which can lead to unsafe situations for the human
being, the environment, increased maintenance costs, and the cost of repairs. The pulsation

*
Corresponding author: [email protected]

© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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analysis of the compressor must be performed before analysing the vibrations of the
pipelines. Pulse analysis guidelines are given in API 618 Method 2 and vibration analysis
guidelines are given in API 618 Method 3 [1].
Although wet (oil-injected) and dry (oil-free) screw compressors are widely used in
many applications, limited information on pulsation and noise problems associated with
these types of compressors is available. Wet screw compressors usually do not dampen
noise because oil separators are used. Oil separators are mainly designed to remove oil from
the gas, but the separators can attenuate the pulsation generated by the compressor. Dry
screw compressors are generally supplied with suction and discharge dampers that are
designed to attenuate the pulsation generated by the compressors. Most silencers are of the
reactive type [2, 3] (Helmholtz filters), of the absorbent type or a combination of these two.

2 Literature Overview
For installations where reciprocating piston compressors are used, a detailed dynamic
design is usually required to ensure a successful functioning. The American Petroleum
Institute (API) Pulse Control Section 618 is the most commonly used for these types of
studies, [4, 5]. Atkins in [6], presents some of the best engineering practices for pulsation
and vibration control for the dynamic reciprocating equipment used in the natural gas
industry. Ghanbariannaeeni analyzed the vibration problems in plants with reciprocating
machinery and described some procedures for calculating the pressure pulsation as well as
detailed information to help the understanding of the causes of acoustically induced
pulsation shaking forces [7]. It was mentioned that acoustical and mechanical study shall
indicate the necessary improvements to achieve the target values of pulsation and vibration
for safety and reliability.
Sometimes [8] in order to obtain an efficient pulsation reduction system, it is necessary
to use two series of anti-pulsation bottles. Although apparently this method is more
expensive, compared to the side effects of the one-bottle method, the proposed solution
becomes economical and safe. Shejal in the paper [9] properly analyzed the vibrations of
the compressor pipes, using Pulsim and Ansys software. The accuracy of the analytical
solution is validated through experimental results using Brule & Kajer analyzer for
measuring the compressor lines. Dynamic forces in the reciprocating compressors from
unbalanced inertial forces, gas forces inside the cylinder, acoustic agitation forces can
induce severe vibrations on the compressor, pipes, vessels, equipment and supports. Article
[10] based on the finite element analysis and experimental determinations, identified the
vibration modes of the compressor determined by the position of moving parts and
fasteners. Jia in [3] presents the results of testing and associated analyzes to suppress
pressure pulsations in the valve chamber and cylinder nozzle for a reciprocating compressor
with a control method based on the Helmholtz resonator. A three-dimensional acoustic
model of the gas pulsation was established using the finite element method (FEM) for the
compressor and the discharge pipe system with and without resonator. The results showed
that the amplitude with which the presence in the valve chamber pulses was reduced by
40.4% at the installation of the resonator.
Almasi presented a model for the study of pulsation and pressure force generated into
the equipment and pipelines in [11, 12]. In order to calculate the velocity and the pressure
at every point, in time, a transient one dimensional NavierStokes model was used. The
information obtained from the pulsation simulation method presented allows the design of a
gas transmission network that ensures the optimal solution for reducing of the pulsations. In
the paper [13] Okasha used the two-port theory to model a pipeline network, where the
network can be divided into several cascaded elements, each described by a transfer matrix.
A pilot plane equipped with a reciprocating compressor, pipes, bends, and a vessel were

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constructed. Two cases are investigated; one with a long pipe, the other with a pulsation
suppression device designed according to the API-618 standard. The comparison shows
good agreement between the measured dynamic pressures and the predicted ones using 1D
propagation models. The pressure variation can be effectively attenuated over the entire
pipe network at different compressor speeds, when a perforated cross-flow tube is installed
downstream of the anti-pulsation bottle. The pulsation damping performance is better for a
longer tube with a lower perforation rate, while the hole diameter has little influence on the
pulsation attenuation of the piping system [14]. Maximum recommended pressure drop
values in the pulsation dampeners and suppression devices is 1 % of the pressure [12]. Liu
analyzed the influence of a conical cylinder discharge nozzle on pressure pulsations in a
piping system with high-speed reciprocating compressor [14, 15]. Pressure fluctuations can
be effectively attenuated in the pipeline system at variable compressor speeds and
pressures. There are many more forces associated with an alternate separable compressor,
other than pulsations, which can lead to unacceptable vibrations. Fifer in the paper [16]
discusses the main sources of forces and presents a mechanical guide that will help avoid
mechanical resonance due to these sources. He emphasizes that when conducting acoustic
studies, companies required in addition and mechanical analysis. There is currently no
specific mechanical guidance in API Standard 618. It focuses only on the effects of
pulsations.
Similar issues appear at screw compressors [17-19]. The screw compressor produces an
approximately constant flow compared to reciprocating compressors. However, the risks of
high frequency vibrations due to the compression process remain and can be particularly
difficult to resolve. Bratek presents in [20] a case study involving three oil screw
compressors in propane service. The data demonstrated how the compressor volume index
and the position of the slide valve influence the pulsation and resonances. Optimized
solutions to reduce pulsation and vibration are presented, including field data of the initial
and modified systems.

3 Sizing of the anti-pulsating bottles

The anti-pulsating bottles are mounted at the inlet and outlet of / from the compressor
cylinders to even out the gas parameters. This ensures stable working conditions in the
compressor cylinders and eliminates / reduces vibrations. For the calculation of the pre-
sizing of the anti-pulsating bottles it is necessary to know [21-23] the compressor
displacement 𝑃 (volume of gas aspirated for a double stroke):

  2D2  d 2 
Pd 1  St  1  (1)
4

Vb  FA  Pd1 (2)

The 𝐹𝐴 amplification factor which depends on the volumetric effciency / working

pressure is determined by means of the diagrams in fig. 1.a or b; 𝑉 is the boottle volume.
To facilitate the electronic calculation of the curves corresponding to the double action into
cylinder, they was represented (fig. 1) and their equation was established, using a 2nd
degree polynomial for regression. Several factors are involved in the expression of volume
effciency. The ratio of the compresibility factors 𝑓:

Z2
f  (3)
Z1

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where 𝑍 and 𝑍 represent the compresibility factors to the exit and to the entrance on the
cylinder. The expression of the compresibility factor at the entrance to the cylinder (at the
exit of the cylinder will change the index 1 in 2) is:

1
Z1  1,785 g (4)
527393  p1 10
1
T13.825

where 𝑝 is the relative pressure of the gas at the inlet to the cylinder; 𝛿 relative density of
the gas; 𝑇 absolute temperature of the gas at the inlet to the cylinder. The density of the gas
𝜌 at the entrance to the cylinder under normal conditions (at pressure 101325 Pa and
temperature 273.15 K) is:

Variation of the amplification factor FA according to

the volumic efficiency, double effect action
12
Amplifiation factor ,-

10
8 y = ‐29.345x2 + 39.661x ‐ 2.7405
6
4
2
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Volumic efficiency, ‐

Variation of the amplification factor FA according to

the pressure
20
Amplification factor, -

2
15 y = 0.0004x ‐ 0.0042x + 7.2648
10
5 y = 0.0006x2 ‐ 0.0177x + 4.9604
0
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 200.00
Working pressure, barg

Suction bottle Discharge bottle

Poly. (Suction bottle) Poly. (Discharge bottle)

b
Fig. 1. Diagram for choosing the amplification factor when determining the volume of anti-
pulsating cylinders: a. Function of the volumetric efficiency, Source [22]; b. Function of
pressure, Source [23] (regression curve are established by the authors).

M
N  (5)
22.414

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The molar mass of the mixture is determined by the relation:

n
M   yi M i (6)
i 1

where 𝑦 are the molar fractions of the components of the mixture and 𝑀 are their molar
masses. The relative density of the gas mixture 𝜌 , 1,293 is:

N
g  (7)
 N ,air

The other factors that determine the volumetric effciency are: the compression ratio 𝑟;
𝐿 the coefficient taking into account of the gas losses along the sealing segments, 𝐿
0.01 0.02, [22]; adiabatic exponent 𝑘; 𝑐 influence of dead space expressed as a ratio
between the volume of dead space 𝑉 and the working volume of the cylinder 𝑉 :

Vm
c (8)
Vl

The values of 𝑐 are between 0.05 and 0.2 to which the setting can be added by the dead
space method. The suction volumetric efficiency is:

 r1/ k 
Ev  0.97    1 c  L (9)
 f 

𝑟 is the compression ratio. For the adiabatic exponent 𝑘 it was used the relation:

t  10
k  1,9637 M a 
27.7
1.9927M b  1.9637M a  (10)

is used where 𝑀 is the molar mass of the mixture kg/kmol; 𝑡 average temperature of the
gas in the cylinder, °C; 𝑎, 𝑏 –dimensionless coefficients: 𝑎 0,1463; 𝑏
0.1543 21 . The volumic discharge efficiency is:

Ev f
Ed  (11)
r1/ k

4 Study of the anti-pulsating bottles in the LMS Amesim

program
The recommended condition for the maximum variation of the pressure ∆𝑝 when mounting
an anti-pulsating bottle is [1, 11, 21, 23], at the compressor flange (12) or at the pipeline
flange (13) are respectively:

p%  min(3r;7) (12)

4.1
p %  (13)
p1/3
n

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where 𝑝 is the average pressure in the pipe. The API 618 standard makes
recommendations regarding the level of approach to the calculation of pulses depending on
the compressor power and pressure [1]. Nine zones are defined in API 618 and for the
exemplified case in this paper (a compressor with a power of 107.040 kW and a pressure of
12 barA) is recommended the Approach 1. Acoustic filtration is not necessary to be used to
eliminate / reduce pressure waves in the piping system, according to this recommendation.
The exemplified system is reduced to simple bottles mounted on the inlet and outlet of
compressor cylinders. In order to verify the functioning of the anti-pulsating bottles, the
model in fig. 2.a was achieved (it includes 47 variables evaluated during the program
execution). The scheme contains the following elements: suction network parameters
temperature (288 K) and pressure (4 barA), the pressure can be changed according to an
imposed law of variation; discharge network parameters temperature (288 K) and pressure
(12 barA), the pressure can be changed according to an imposed law of variation; pulsation
bottles shaped like pneumatic chambers (volume values Vs=506 l, Vd=359 l suction and
discharge, respectively); suction pipeline (length 5 m, inside diameter 300 mm); discharge
pipeline (length 100 m, inside diameter 200 mm),; suction and discharge valves of the
compressor cylinders (flow area 7854 mm2, pressure drop 0.02 barg/ (Smc/s)); compressor
cylinders ( piston diameter 279 mm, stroke length 418 mm, rod /piston diameter ratio 0.25);
dead space volume 12 % from compressor displacement. The suction / discharge pipelines
were split into six parts and a distributive wave equation submodel were used.

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b c
Fig. 2. Model of the anti-pulsation bottles in the LMS Amesim program: a. Model of the
compression and pulsation bottles, cylinders 1 and 2; b. using of the cylinder sub model for cylinder
1; c. the sub model of the cylinder 2.
The gas mixture block allows the precise introduction of the natural gas composition.
The model was simplified being introduced sub models for cylinders fig. 2.b-c, in which is
used the crank connecting rod model (crank radius 209 mm), cranks are 90 degrees offset.
For the cylinder, the geometric elements are calculated according to the volume flow
150,000 Scm that is devised between the two cylinders fig. 3. The phase difference between
the cylinders can be observed.

a b
Fig. 3. Geometric and kinematic elements for cylinders: a. cylinder 1; b. cylinder 2. – asm dead
volume ratio amplification; omega angular speed.

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a b

c d

e f

g h

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i j
Fig. 4. Pressure variation in the active chambers of the compressor cylinders (single stage two
cilinders): a. (top –down) head end cylinder 1, crank end cylinder1; b. head end cylinder 2, crank end
cylinder 2; c. suction pressure; d. suction pressure detail; e. discharge pressure; f. discharge pressure
detail speed 360 rpm; g. discharge pressure (detail) speed 60 rpm; h. discharge pressure (detail) speed
360 rpm without suction valve at head end cylinder 1; i. discharge pressure (detail) speed 360 rpm,
dead space doubled (24%); j. pressure variation on discharge pipeline between segment 2 and 3
(pipeline has 6 segments).

5 Numerical results
Following the modeling, you can see the pressure variation diagrams in the pneumatic
bottles. The suction, compression, evacuation and expansion of the gas are very well
observed, see fig. 4.a for the two chambers of cylinder 1 and in the fig. 4.b for the two
chambers of cylinder 2. Regarding the pressure variation on the suction in the anti-pulsating
bottle fig. 4.c and d (detail) the pressure is variable (maximum 0.08 bar peak to peak). On
the discharge area due to the longer length of the pipeline (100 m) we have an large
variation of the pressure during the stabilized movement period, fig. 4.e-f. For the
numerical example from fig. 4 c-d at suction, the pressure in the anti-pulsating bottle varies
from 3.96 bar to 4.04 bar. At the flange from the pipeline equation (13) the permissible
. .
pressure variation is / 2,59% , namely 4 0.10 bar. At the compressor flange
equation (12) the allowed pressure variation is min( 3 ∙ ; 7 7%, namely 4
0.28 bar. The pressure variation (fig. 4.d) is 4.04-3.96 = 0.08 bar, below the imposed limits
in the both situations. Calculating the maximum allowed pressure variation with the
relations (12) and (13) for discharge we find the values: ∆𝑝 % min 3 ∙ 3; 7 7 %, at
.
the cylinder flange and ∆𝑝 % / 1.8 % at the pipeline flange.
Regarding the variation of the pressure in the anti-pulsating bottles on discharge (fig.
4.e-f) the pressure varies from 11.75 bar to 12.25 bar. At the flange from the pipeline (13)
.
the allowed variation of the pressure is 12 0.22 bar. The maximum pressure
variation (peak to peak). is 12.25-11.75 = 0.5 bar, so the maximum permissible limit is
exceeded. The bottle must be resized (it must be adopted an larger volume) or we can use a
filter that also has the effect of cutting vibrations over a certain threshold. At the
compressor flange (12) the allowed pressure variation is 12 0.84 bar. The maximum
pressure variation 0.5 bar is below the imposed limit of 0.84 bar. If the crank shaft speed is
lower the shape of pressure variation is different, fig. 4.g (for 60 rpm). The elimination of a
suction valve fig. 4.h increase the pressure variation (for 360 rpm, 0. 80 bar peak to peak).
The increase of the dead space (24 % of displacement) generates a greater pressure
variation, fig. 4.i (0.79 bar peak to peak). The influence of the compressibility of the gas in

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the dicharge pipeline can be observed. The pipeline was divided into 6 sections and in the
fig. 4.j is the variation of pressure in one of the points that delimited two sections.

a b

c d
Fig. 5. Using an acoustic filter: a. model modification on the discharge pipeline end; b. pressure drop
on the choke tub –establised in the post processing section; c. pressure variation in the volume 1 and
volume 2; d. pressure variation in the volume 1 and 2 detail.
If we use an acoustic filter achived in the form volume– choke – volume (359 l, 0.55 m x
∅ 30 𝑚𝑚, 359 l) fig. 5.a, the variation or pressure is different at the cylinder flange and
pipeline flange. We can see the absence of periodic signal at the pipeline flange and the
pressure variation is near to zero (the condition (13) is met). This aspect is favorable
because it prevents the pipeline and equipment distruction by vibration propagation. But the
negative aspect is connected with the pressure drop. We have a pressure drop on the chocke
of 0.029 bar. In fact, compressor will work at 12.029 barA (the average value) and for the
value of flow of 150 000 Scm per day this means a power of 107.303 kW (with an acoustic
filter) compared with 107.040 kW (in absence of the acoustic filter). In an year the
additional power is 2,303 kWh.

6 Conclusions
Using a dynamic model gives the following advantages: simplifies the mathematical aspect
using the elements from the program library; shortens the realization time of the model; it
allows to obtain a model that takes into account of the: gas composition, geometric
elements of compression cylinders including the dead space, compressibility of the gas on
the suction / discharge pipe, variation of the pressure on the suction and discharge of the
compressor, settings of the speed, dead space, valve removed / blocked in the open
position; it can be easily adapted to changes in order to use an acoustic filter.
The situations of using: of an anti-pulsation bottle and an acoustic filter, with the
advantages and disadvantages of each situation was exemplified with numerical results.

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