Summary: 

This course equips engineers with the knowledge to identify, assess, and resolve process plant piping vibration issues. It covers fundamental causes of vibration, simplified evaluation methods, and treatment approaches. Various vibration sources are analyzed using basic energy and momentum principles, with screening guidelines and vibration limits provided. Real-world case studies from Becht’s industry experience illustrate key concepts, and participants are encouraged to share their own vibration challenges for discussion.

Outline: 

1. Introduction

• General Definitions

• What we are Trying to Prevent

• Vibration Types

• When to Solve Problems

2. Mechanical Vibration

• Single Degree of Freedom System

• Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration

• Damping

• Multiple Degrees of Freedom

• Simplified Vibration Analysis

• What to do with Calculated Stress

• Screening Criteria

3 Acoustic Resonance

• What is it?

• System Effects

• EI Guidelines

• API 618

• Fixing Problems

• Example

4. Reciprocating Pumps

• General

• Pump Discharge

• Pump Suction

• Fixing Problems

• Example

5. Surge

• What is it?

• Surge Pressure

• Surge Wave Velocity

• Slow Closing Valve

• Thrust Forces

• Vapor Column Collapse

• Solutions to Problems

• Examples

6. Slug Flow

• General

• Slug Flow Force

• Examples

• Corrective Measures

7. High Frequency Vibration

• General

• Acoustic Resonance

• Acoustic Fatigue

• Vortex Shedding

8. Earthquake Ø General

• Earthquake experience

• Analysis

9. Other Sources of Vibration

• Cavitation

• Flashing

• Flow turbulence

• Noncondensable gases

• Wind

• Pressure relief valves

• Expansion Joints

• Mechanical Excitation

10. More Rigorous Analyses

• OM-3 Requirements

• Types of Computer Analyses

11. Solving Problems During Design

• EI Vibration Guidelines

• Other Guidance

12. Solutions to Vibration Problems

• Piping Restraints

• Other Treatments

• EI Guidelines – corrective actions

• Severe Cyclic Conditions

13. Practical Examples

• Important Sources of Vibration

• Essential Service Water

• Cumene Piping

• Steam & Feed Water Piping

• Cogen Plant Cooling Water

• Furnace Outlet Line

• Low Frequency Field Vibration

• Thick Stock Pump

• Process Condensate

• Cavitating Venturi

14. Final Exam

Instructor: 

Brad Moulton, a Senior Fellow and Lead Vibration Engineer, has over 25 years of experience in structural vibrations and acoustics. He specializes in onsite measurement, design verification, and computational problem-solving across industries, including petroleum, chemical, power generation, metals processing, aerospace, and manufacturing.

His expertise includes mechanical integrity assessments, ASME and API component design, transient and dynamic fluid system analysis, vibration assessments of safety and pressure relief systems, and industrial noise mitigation. Brad is skilled in cross-disciplinary collaboration, leading teams to develop holistic solutions for complex vibration challenges.

He has contributed to global standards development for ISO, ANSI, and ASA committees on industrial noise and vibration measurement and actively participates in ASME and API code development. Brad holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with highest honors from Georgia Tech.

Venue & Logistics: 

Hotel Booking Link: Coming Soon!

*Please note this link expires two weeks before the start of the course. Please notify training@becht.com for any issues with the booking link.

Location:  15700 John F Kennedy Blvd, Houston, TX 77032

• Phone:  +12814425100
• Hotel Website
• Parking available on-site - free for all training attendees

For more information on training logistics, see the linked Attendee Info Sheet.