Pulsation Bottles

1. High acoustical pulsation can increase frame, cylinder, gas piping, and equipment vibrations. An

acoustical study will determine if the package requires pulsation bottles when not already

required by customer specifications. An acoustical study will determine if acoustical or mechanical

resonances exist that require correction. When analyzing acoustical pulsation responses,

consider single-acting cylinder and all cylinder load steps. Single-acting cylinders can present the

worst case scenario for acoustical analysis. High acoustically driven vibration can result from single-

acting cylinder operation when not considered. Contact Ariel for information beyond that of

the Ariel Performance Program.

2. Design and construct pulsation bottles in accordance with good engineering practice and industry

standards for either piping and/or pressure vessels.

3. Design pulsation bottles without traps. Traps allow liquids to accumulate resulting in liquid slugging.

Provide taps for drains and instruments on the bottles. Nozzles protruding into the bottle

should be slotted to prevent liquid accumulation.

4. Install taps for temperature and pressure monitoring as close to the compressor cylinder as possible.

Install the discharge temperature shutdown probe in the 1/2" NPT tap in the cylinder discharge

nozzle provided by Ariel.

5. Position all bottle attachments such as relief valves, sight glasses, instrumentation, drain lines,

and tubing close to the bottle and support as required.

6. Construct pulsation bottles connecting two or more cylinders so as not to strain cylinder flange

connections or distort cylinders.

7. Ariel requires nozzle reinforcement pads.

8. If a mechanical/acoustical analysis predicts high bottle shaking forces, engineered bottle supports

and clamps may be recommended. Bottle supports may not be required on some units if

the Packager meets the following conditions.

a. Piping and bottles assembled to cause no strain on cylinder flanges during compressor operation.

b. Crosshead guide mounting feet firmly supported and properly aligned.

c. Piping properly tied down.

d. Scrubber, piping, or any other skid attachment vibration at a natural frequency prevented during

compressor operation.