Vibration isolation refers to the process of reducing or minimizing the transmission of vibratory forces between different components or structures. It aims to prevent unwanted vibrations from affecting sensitive equipment or structures.

Vibration isolators find application in various scenarios:

Machine: Isolating machines (such as engines, fans, vibrating equipment) from the supporting structures.

Equipment Isolation: Protecting sensitive equipment & instruments from building vibrations.

Noise Reduction: Isolating noisy equipment, pipework or mechanical servies in buildings.

The load capacity depends on the weight of the equipment being isolated. Ensure that the isolator’s capacity exceeds the equipment’s weight with FoS not less than 1.5 times of equipment weight.

Yes, regular inspection and maintenance are crucial. Check for wear, damage, or deterioration. Replace worn-out isolators promptly.The lifespan varies based on factors like material quality, usage conditions, and maintenance. High-quality isolators can last several years.

No, they are not the same. Expansion joints (also called compensators) are flexible structures placed on containers or pipelines to compensate for additional stress caused by temperature differences and mechanical vibrations. They allow movement due to service load, shock, or thermal cycles. Flexible connectors provide a small amount of offset coupled with some axial movement. They can handle both lateral and axial forces, making them suitable for various applications. These connectors are commonly found on the inlet and outlet of pumps and where thermal expansion of pipes occurs.

Pipe Stress Analysis is an engineering activity that focuses on evaluating the stresses, deformations, and forces within a piping system. It plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of piping systems in various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and more.

The basic concepts in Pipe Stress Analysis are Pipe Components, Load Types, Stress-Strain Relationship.

Piping Components: Understanding pipes, fittings, valves and supports and their properties and behaviour of each Component accurately.

Load Types Pipe systems experience various loads like Static Loads: Steady-stat conditions like internal pressure, deadweight and thermal expansion. Dynamic Loads: Transient events such as water hammer, relief valve discharge and seismic activity and Thermal Loads: Temperature Variations causing thermal expansion and contraction.

Stress-Strain Relationship: Key concepts include Elasticity Materials return to their original shape within their elastic limit. PlasticityBeyond the elastic limit, materials deform irreversibily. Creep: Slow, time-dependent deformation under constant load and elevated temperature.

Objectives of Pipe Stress Analysis are Structural Integrity, Operational Integrity, Optimal Design.

Structural Integrity: Ensuring the design adquacy for the pressure of the carrying fluid, Evaluating failure against various loading scenarios throughout the system's life cycle. Keeping piping stresses below code allowable limits.'.

Operational Integrity: Limiting nozzle loads of connected equipment within allowable values. Preventing leakate at flanged joints. Controlling sagging and displacement within acceptable limits.'.

Optimal Design: Avoiding excessive flexibility and high loads on supporting structures. Striving for an optimal design for both piping and structure.