All your questions on pulsation dampeners, answered

We recently shared some information on pulsation dampeners and how they can help ensure reliable flow. But this is one part of a bigger picture, which is why our clients still have many questions about pulsation and what to do about it. In this article we will answer some of these queries and hopefully, help you find the right solution for your problem.

1. My pipes are rattling – is a pulsation dampener the solution?

It really depends on the source of the rattling. Rattling can be caused by pulsation. It can also be the result of water hammer. In the case of pulsation or water hammer, a dampener or surge suppressor could be what you need. The rattling noise could also be coming from mechanical movement from the pump, valves or a device or component in the system. We suggest consulting an expert who can determine the solution – whether it be pulsation dampeners, a different type of valve or anchor or even isolators.

2. What is the difference between pulsation and water hammer?

Pulsation and water hammer have similar effects, but are caused by entirely different things.

Pulsation is created from the pump itself. Positive displacement pumps create pulsation due to their reciprocating action. Pulsation dampeners are required to eliminate fluctuations in pressure from the acceleration and deceleration of the pumped fluid.

Water hammer is found in piping systems where valves control flow. It is caused by a sudden surge in pressure (usually momentary) when a fluid flowing through the system changes velocity or direction, or comes to a sudden stop. The name comes from the banging or knocking sound on the pipes when this high-pressure shockwave happens, which sounds a bit like a hammer banging.

It can be the result of an open valve closing unexpectedly, so the water is pushed against it, or a pump shutting down without warning, so the flow reverses back to the pump. This creates a shockwave from the impact, resulting in pressure spikes that could be much higher than the working pressure of the system. This can cause instant or cumulative damage to the piping system.

3. What is a surge suppressor?

Surge is caused by fluctuating internal pressure in the system. Unlike water hammer, surge is usually less serious, however, surge suppressors are used to manage these pressure fluctuations. Surge suppressors are similar and often identical in design to pulsation dampeners but usually able to handle bigger fluctuations in pressure and volume. A key difference between the two is the location they are installed – surge suppressors are installed at various points in the pump system, usually next to a valve or flow restricting equipment.

4. Difference between a pulsation dampener and inlet stabilizer?

The difference between these terms is determined by where the devices are placed in the system and what it does. Inlet stabilizers are installed on the inlet side of the pump, while pulsation dampeners are installed downstream (outlet side).

5. What is a New Fusion dampener?

Griffco Valve has designed a product called New Fusion dampeners, which combines the functionality of their backpressure valves and pulsation dampeners. This innovation reduces the number of joints, creating fewer opportunities for leaks and facilitates a smoother system for chemical feeds. With large internal passages, these new fusion dampeners have no restrictions on flowrate or the cleanliness of the pumped fluid. Certainly, a product worth looking at for simplified chemical-feed installation.

If you have any questions about pulsation dampeners, surge suppressors, inlet stabilizers or new fusion dampeners, give us a call on 1-800-367-4180 (toll-free). Our experts are on hand to help you choose, install, maintain, and monitor a variety of equipment. And to answer questions about things you’ve previously tried gone wrong.