FAQ
Find the right answers
Pressure Pulsations
Pressure pulsations are fluctuations superimposed on the static system pressure. Just like sound waves travel through the air, pressure pulsations propagate through the conveying medium. Every pump inherently generates pressure pulsations due to its operating principle.
Depending on their frequency and amplitude, pressure pulsations can lead to limitations in pump operation or even cause damage.
- Pressure pulsations excite the piping structure, causing it to vibrate. This leads to fatigue and, in the worst case, can result in cracks or fractures.
- Through pipe supports and hangers, these vibrations are transmitted to the building structure.
- To avoid severe vibrations, pumps are often operated only at selected speeds or certain operating ranges are quickly passed through. This restricts the pump’s performance and efficiency.
If the frequency of the pressure pulsations matches one of the natural frequencies of the piping, resonance occurs. In this case, the amplitudes increase significantly, often by multiples.
Every pipeline has numerous natural frequencies. Since the blade-passing frequency of a pump (the product of rotational speed and the number of blades or vanes) changes with speed, resonance is often unavoidable.
Does your pump need to quickly pass through certain speeds?
Are there any cracks in the weld seams?
Can the pump be heard outside the building?
If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, pressure pulsations may be the cause. Contact us! We will measure the pressure pulsations and vibrations in your system, create a detailed measurement report, and provide a solution proposal.
The pressure of the conveyed medium acts uniformly on the inner wall of the pipe and exerts a corresponding force. Any change in pressure results in a change in force on the pipe wall. Thus, pressure pulsations lead to alternating stress on the piping structure, causing vibrations and oscillations. This leads to fatigue and, in the worst case, to cracks or fractures. Through pipe supports and hangers, the vibrations are transmitted to the building.
QuietHydro
QuietHydro is an innovative technology for the active and adaptive damping of pressure pulsations and vibrations in pumping systems. It optimizes operational efficiency, extends system lifespan, and reduces noise and vibration levels.
The QuietHydro technology is based on the principle of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It detects pressure pulsations in real time and dynamically adjusts the damping effect to prevent harmful vibrations and resonances directly at the source—without restricting the pump’s operating point.
The technology is suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
Wastewater management
Drinking water treatment
Heat and energy supply
Process engineering
Petrochemicals
Maritime sector
Chemical industry
Paper industry
Power plant technology
- Vibration and Noise Reduction: The amplitudes of pump-induced vibrations can be reduced by up to 99.5%. This significantly decreases the mechanical stress and acoustic signature of the system. This effect has been verified in both laboratory tests and field applications.
- Increased Efficiency: Pressure pulsations are reduced directly at the source, allowing the pump to operate at its optimal operating point without entering resonance with the system.
- Adaptability: The system dynamically adjusts to different operating points and environmental conditions. Any change in pump speed is automatically compensated.
- Minimal Space Requirement: The system is highly compact, even for low vibration frequencies.
By optimizing efficiency and lifespan, QuietHydro reduces energy consumption and minimizes material wear. This conserves resources and lowers the CO₂ footprint.
Yes, QuietHydro can be retrofitted into many existing pump systems. Installation takes place in a short pipe section behind the pump. Our team analyzes your system and provides a customized solution.
The installation only takes a few houres, minimizing the downtime of your system.
QuietHydro is plug-and-play.
The preparation of the pipeline and the installation of the QuietHydro actuator can take place independently of each other.
Together, your system will be up and running again in about 3 hours.
No, QuietHydro is designed to be low-maintenance. Its robust construction and adaptive technology minimize maintenance efforts.
QuietHydro is resistant to solids and deposits. The installation position and design are optimized to ensure that no solids will collect at the installation position.
QuietHydro operates completely autonomously and adjusts automatically.
Yes, if desired, QuietHydro can capture pressure signals, vibration data, and other operational parameters in real time. This data serves process optimization and enables preventive maintenance as well as long-term efficiency improvements.
Data collection is done locally. Long-term storage or transmission only occurs with your consent.
The costs vary depending on the system size and requirements. We would be happy to provide you with a customized quote tailored to your needs.
Thanks to energy savings, extended system lifespan, and reduced operating costs, the investment pays off within a few years.
