Visco-Elastic Damper
Visco-Elastic Dampers provide a resisting force proportional to the speed of movement in main-line pipework.
They are an alternative solution to fixed pipe support systems for reducing vibrations and thus pipework fatigue.
There are instances when pipework must be free to move statically due to temperature increases, this calls for a bracing solution that enables dynamic restraint over fixed pipework bracing. Visco-Elastic Dampers provide this resisting force but proportional to the speed of movement.
We can also supply visco-elastic damping solutions for main-line pipework thanks to our key supply relationship with GERB of Berlin.
Key Features
Visco-Elastic Dampers have many advantages over fixed pipe support systems, including:
- Provide dynamic restraint whilst permitting thermal movements.
- Maintenance free.
- Work over a wide range of frequencies.
- Protect against steady-state and transient shock events.
- Work in all degrees of freedom.
- Available in a range of sizes.
Applications
Visco elastic dampers are used in all kind of piping systems. When increased vibrations are detected during pipework assessments, in many cases the application of one or more visco-elastic dampers is the solution for reducing vibrations and thus fatigue of the pipework.
The images below show the effect of a damper installation on pipework at a refinery, where vibration levels have decreased significantly.
