Aeroacoustic analysis
Reducing vibrations in a complex pipeline using CFD and advanced numerical analysis
ISVR Consulting applied CFD and advanced numerical methods for effective vibration mitigation in a gas production pipeline
Client: a large gas production company
Sector: oil and gas
We enabled a leading gas production company to resolve pipeline vibration issues in a gas production platform. Using our specialist aeroacoustic engineering analysis capabilities, including computational fluid dynamics services and advanced numerical analysis, we identified an aeroacoustic feedback mechanism and made recommendations to mitigate it.
Talk to us about our aeroacoustic analysis and advanced numerical acoustic services and find out how we can help with your vibration reduction issue.
Project at a glance
- Project: Aeroacoustic engineering analysis for pipeline vibration mitigation
- Client: Large oil and gas production company (confidential)
- Challenge: Flow-induced vibration in pipeline metering ductwork, driven by aeroacoustic feedback mechanisms
- Methods used: CFD (URANS simulations), wavenumber analysis, acoustic FEM
- Scope of work: Diagnosis of aeroacoustic instability and vibration source, simulation and analysis, design recommendations
- Outcome: Source-level vibration mitigation through pipeline design modifications, improved platform stability and efficiency
- Publications: Presented at Inter-Noise 2024, NAFEMS World Congress 2025, Forum Acusticum Euronoise 2025
The challenge: reducing flow-induced vibration
The current gas production pipeline
For decades, the company’s gas production platform faced significant operational challenges caused by flow-induced pipe vibrations in its gas metering ductwork. These piping vibrations, occurring at various flow regimes and strongly dependent on flow velocity, could drive structural vibration modes, leading to substantial vibration levels and associated instability and inefficiency issues.
Flow instability within the 30-35 Hz frequency range was identified as a critical issue, potentially coupling with the pipeline’s acoustic modes and causing severe vibrations.
Our solution: pipeline aeroacoustic analysis
Flow instability in the header
Our experts leveraged cutting-edge simulation techniques and in-depth analysis to provide the client with a robust solution for vibration mitigation.
The comprehensive approach combined computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and acoustic finite element method (FEM) analysis. The methodology included:
- URANS simulations: Using compressible Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulations to accurately capture turbulent and acoustic pressure fluctuations.
- Wavenumber analysis: Postprocessing the simulation results with wavenumber analysis to investigate the frequencies at which aeroacoustic feedback was occurring.
- Software: Using the open-source software OpenFOAM for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with high-performance computing systems.
The study confirmed that vortex shedding and flow instability both in the inlet and outlet headers were responsible for an aeroacoustic feedback mechanism.
In the inlet manifold, instability was caused by the expansion where the pipes divided, while in the outlet, it was induced by the expansion from the metering duct into the header. This instability led to vortex shedding and subsequent aeroacoustic feedback, which amplified specific frequencies, resulting in distinct tonal noise.
Our findings were validated through rigorous URANS simulation and wavenumber analysis. Test data was used to validate the frequency ranges identified in the simulations, ensuring our findings were accurate and reliable.
You can find more technical detail in the following papers and abstracts, presented at Inter-Noise 2024, NAFEMS World Congress 2025, and Forum Acusticum Euronoise 2025.
Need targeted support? Contact our aeroacoustic consultancy experts today.
The outcome: modifications for flow-induced vibration suppression control
The recommended modified pipeline design
Based on these insights, we recommended design modifications to mitigate the problem at source. These successfully eliminated the flow-induced vibration issues, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the gas production platform.
The implementation of our recommendations resulted in:
- Enhanced operational stability due to the significant reduction in the aeroacoustic feedback mechanism.
- More efficient gas production processes through optimised flow dynamics.
- Client satisfaction – the client noted ISVR Consulting’s expertise and innovative approach.
“Through this project I have seen nothing but excellence.”
Client feedback, gas production company
Talk to ISVR Consulting about your aeroacoustic problem
Our aeroacoustics consultants deliver targeted analysis for complex vibro-aeroacoustic problems.
Contact us today to discuss your project and learn how ISVR Consulting can help you achieve stable, efficient operations.
