To minimize downtime and potential failures and resolve reciprocating pump system problems when they first become apparent, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) provides quick-response field and consultation services and a full range of field engineering services to measure, analyze, and correct problems affecting safe, reliable reciprocating pump operation, such as:

• Rotor dynamics analysis

• Finite element models

• Computational fluid dynamic analysis

• Pulsation simulations

These services are supported by continuing research and development programs that allow SwRI to stay abreast of industry needs.

SwRI is known worldwide for its work in the design of pump and plant piping systems through operation of the Gas Machinery Research Council (GMRC) Design Facility. Services include:

• Measurement of fluid-induced pressure pulsation, shaking forces, and vibration

• Measurement of vibration response and dynamic stress in plant piping systems

• Design of pulsation accumulators, dampers, and acoustic filters for existing pump installations

• Dynamic analyses of foundations, structures, offshore platforms, skids, etc.

• Thermal flexibility analyses of piping systems for prediction of piping stresses and machine flange loading

• Calculations of transient and steady-state torsional critical speeds and forced vibration response

• Evaluations of pump performance, including pressure drop

• Determination of cavitation

• Valve dynamics studies

• Noise analysis

Industrial Reciprocating Pump Problems

SwRI has the necessary test instrumentation and field analysis techniques to evaluate a broad range of industrial problems. Special-purpose instruments and remote monitoring systems are also available as required.

For more information about machinery vibration services or reciprocating pump support services and capabilities