Journal of Sound and Vibration (1984) 96(2), 175- 194

THE ACOUSTIC SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS OF

COMPLICATED RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR PIPING
SYSTEMS, I: ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE AND PARAMETER
MATRICES OF ACOUSTIC

ELEMENTS

C. W. S. To
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada T2 N 1 N4
(Received 19 August 1982, and in revised form 28 September 1983)

This paper describes the mathematical formulation, equations, and procedures employed
in the development of a comprehensive digital computer program for acoustic simulation
and analysis of large and complicated piping systems. The analysis technique used is the
transfer matrix method in which the piping system, with or without multiple inputs and
outputs, is represented by a combination of discrete acoustic elements interconnected to
one another at two stations such that the acoustic pressure and volume velocity at one
station are uniquely related to those at the other by a two-by-two parameter matrix.
Parameter matrices of 19 acoustic elements are included in this paper. By making use of
these parameter matrices and the analysis technique, any complicated practical reciprocating compressor piping system can be modelled or analyzed.

1. INTRODUCTION
Designers of reciprocating
compressor installation
are often confronted
with the problem
of gas pressure pulsations.
When the size and complexity of the installation
are large and
the operating pressure is high the problem can be formidable and the pulsations sometimes
can lead to catastrophic
accidents.
Generally,
the problem is caused by the excessive
vibration
level in the piping system as a result of large pressure fluctuations
which in
turn are determined
by the acoustic properties and acoustic/structural
interaction
in the
system. The phenomenon
involved is a complex one.
For hydraulic
systems, early simplified analyses have been used to solve some of the
problems
induced by resonance.
Early studies of resonance
in pipelines were reported
in references [l-4]. In reference [ 1] knowledge obtained in previous years was summarized.
In reference [4] the transfer matrix method, well established
in the theory of vibration,
was applied. Studies of pressure pulsations
in reciprocating
compressor
piping systems
[5-141, on the other hand, have shown that further work in this area needs to be done,
particularly
in the application
of digital computers to the acoustic modelling and analysis
of complicated
piping systems. In references [9, 11, 141 results for practical, but relatively
moderately
complicated,
systems were presented.
One common finding was that some
computer pulsation
levels were significantly
different from the measured ones. Furthermore, none of the mathematical
models considered
in the references
quoted thus far
includes mean flow in the piping systems.
The main objectives of the investigation
reported in this paper, Part I, and the companion
paper, Part II, are therefore (a) to provide a formulation,
including the mean flow effects,
suitable for digital computer
automation,
and (b) to develop a comprehensive
digital
175
0022-460X/84/180175+20

%03.00/O

1984

Academic

Press

Inc.

(London)

L.imited

176

C. u. s 70

computer
program for the simulation
and analysis of complicated
reciprocating
compressor piping systems.
It may be appropriate
to note that the formulation
presented
here applies to case:,
where the flow characteristics
of the system, in particular
at junctions,
have to be taken
into consideration.
To do this one needs to consider the gas properties,
obtain the
equivalent
number of velocity heads for the friction losses through the elements, assess
the pressure drops and evaluate the fanning friction factors. Once the flow characteristics
of the piping system have been obtained the acoustic pulsation problem can be considered.
As determining
the flow characteristics
of the system is a fluid mechanics
problem and
methods for its solution have been described elsewhere, it is not considered in this paper.
The formulation,
analysis procedures,
and parameter
matrices for 19 acoustic elements
are presented
in this paper (Part I). In the companion
paper (Part 11) a description
of
the digital computer
program structure and applications
of the developed
program are
presented.

2. SYSTEM ANALYSIS
In principle, the parameter matrix of any acoustic element of the piping system, modelled
as a one-dimensional
distributed parameter sub-system, can be obtained by an appropriate
combination
of parameter matrices of uniform pipes of various cross-sections
[ 151. Owing
to -its crucial importance
to the formulation
of more complex elements, the four-pole
parameters
of a uniform pipe containing
a steady mean flow are derived in the next
section. In the following
two sections acoustic elements in tandem
connections
are
considered.
2.1.

FOUR

POLE

PARAMETERS

OF

UNIFORM

PIPE

WITH

A STEADY

MEAN

FLOW

The equation for the velocity potential for one-dimensional

motion of the fluid along
the axis of the pipe (the x-axis), with damping effects included
by assuming that the
speed of sound, and hence the velocity potential itself, may be complex, is taken to be

in which -rL, = u + U, where u = u(x, t) is the acoustic particle velocity and U is the
mean velocity (a list of notation is given in the Appendix).
By using a similar line of
reasoning as in reference [ 161, the solution of equation ( 1) is obtained in the form
,J = B, e-jk;r + B, ej%x,

(2)

where B, and B2 are arbitrary constants (incorporating

the term e? when appropriate).
The time-dependent
part of the velocity potential
has been disregarded
for simplicity,
kf=o/ci=k,-ja,,and
k;,=o/cn=k,,-jcz,,in
which k,=w/(c+U),
k,,=w/(c-U),
and LYE= (rJn,/p)/(
cEr) where cE = (c - U)/c. With the definitions jki = yr and jkf, =
y,,, equation
(2) becomes
$=B,e
The acoustic

pressure

is defined

-lx +B, e~~X.

(3)

as
P = PlL, + P wx.

From equations

(4)

(3) and (4), one obtains

P=jpcw[{B,/(c+U)}e-Y~+{B,/(c-

U)}eI~],

(5)

ACOUSTIC

ANALYSIS

OF

PIPING

SYSTEMS.

177

in which c is the complex

sound speed. The term containing B, is the forward wave

moving at a velocity c+ U while that containing B, is the backward wave moving at a
velocity of c- U. The sum of these two waves, i.e., the pressure P given by equation (5),
is the resulting total pressure wave field, and hence can be called, the transmitted wave.
With the acoustic volume velocity, V, as the other state variable, the four-pole parameters
of the pipe can be obtained. The acoustic volume velocity is given by
v= -S&.

(6)

From equations (6) and (3)

V=jSw[{B,/(c+

U)} emYI-{&/(c-

From equations (5) and (7), and after some algebraic manipulation,
meter matrix can be obtained as

e--f
(I,:;
::

[I=

z sh y,l
ch y,l

y,l

(7)

U)} eyllx].

the four-pole para-

(8)

where yC= jk:, z = pc/S, k: = k/( 1 - M), k= w/ c, and M= U/c. When the effect of
mean flow can be neglected equation (8) becomes

[a=[(1,:;

z sh yl

(9)

ch yl I

Iyi

where y= j k.
The damping effects incorporated in both equations (8) and (9) arise through introduction of an appropriate complex speed of sound, c (as given, for example, in refernece
[17]). It can be seen from equation
(8) that the presence of mean flow influences the
damping.
2.2.

TWO

ACOUSTIC

ELEMENTS

IN

SERIES

The resultant four-pole parameter matrix of two acoustic elements in series is considered
in this section.
By virtue of the principle of conservation
of mass in steady flow and the continuity
of
acoustic pressure, the four-pole matrix equation for two acoustic elements in series, as
shown in Figure 1, can be written as

{v:} =[.l,b12{ ;},

where [a], and [a], are the four-pole
can write

parameter

matrices

( IO)
of the two elements.

2.3.

TWO

ACOUSTIC

ELEMENTS

CONNECTED

IN

one

(II)

[aI = [aMaL
where [a] is the required resultant parameter
matrix.
By following
similar reasoning,
the resultant
four-pole
parameter
acoustic elements connected
in series can easily be obtained.

Thus,

matrix

of several

PARALLEL

In a practical piping system there are frequently

pipes arranged in a parallel manner.
To model or analyze such an arrangement
would require the resultant parameter matrix
of these elements. The resultant four-pole parameter matrix of several acoustic elements
connected
in parallel can, however, be deduced from results obtained for :wo acoustic

178

r01,

u. s IO

[al i

c3

-3

I
I

_J7yfjpy22
c3

I
I

Figure I. Two acoustic elements in series. Arrows

indicate the direction of sound propagation.

Figure

c3

c31

I
/

I
I

/I

21

2. Two acoustic

elements

in parallel.

elements connected
in parallel. Consequently,
the derivation
of the resultant parameter
matrix for two acoustic elements connected
in parallel is presented here.
Consider pipe element number 1 of Figure 2. The four-pole matrix equation is

(12)
where [a], is the four-pole
parameter
matrix for pipe element number
1, containing
stations 1 and 2. Similarly, the four-pole matrix equation for pipe element number 2 is

(13)
The conditions

at stations

1 and 2 are

p, = p, 1= p,,,
Multiplying

the first of equations

the first of equations

= a122alllP21 +al~2ai21

equations

(14)

(15)

V2,.

(13) by a12, leads to

aIzlPII=
Adding

v, = v>, + v22.

(12) by alZZgives

a&l,
Multiplying

P2 = Pz, = P&

v,=v,,+v,,,

(16)

a,2,a,IZP2?+alZla122VZ2.

( 15) and ( 16) results

in

To express the acoustic volume velocity at station 1 in terms of the acoustic pressure
and volume velocity at station 2 one needs to perform the following steps. First, multiply
the second of equations
(12) by a222 to give
a 222 V II --a
Second,

multiply

the second

222

of equations

V211 P21 +a2z2a22,V21.

(18)

( 13) by az2, to give

(19)

a221V~2=a22,a212P22+a221a222V22.

Adding equations
(18) and (19), and making use of the condition
from the second of equations
(14), one obtains
a222VI f v12(a22, - a222) = AP2 + a222a221VZ,

that

V;, = V, - Viz,

(20)

ACOUSTIC

ANALYSIS

OF

PIPING

SYSTEMS,

where A = a222a211+ a22,a212. But from the first and second

179

of equations

( 13)
(31)

V,, = (a222P, - lalzp,)lalZz.

Substituting

equation

(21) into equation

(20) gives

a221)la1221

V, = P,[(k-

+~2~~~2211~1~-~~~2l~lr+~,~~~~l~~,~~~~2~~l+~~~l~~. (2)
Substituting

for P, from equation

(17) then gives

V2 aZZl +a12

(a222- a221)

where a,, = (u122alll +a,21al,2)/(a,22+ul~,),

simplification
equation (23) becomes

(23)

13

aiz2

and

aI:=

u,21a,,2/(u,21 +al12). After some

V, = a?, P2 + a2? V,,

(24)

and
az2 = ( a12,u212 +
where
a2l = aIll +a2,?+(a222-a221)(a11,
-a112)/(al?l
+a,,,),
u,22a22,)/(a,2, +a,,,).
The quantities
a,,, a,z, azl, and a,, are the required resultant
parameters for two acoustic elements in parallel. These results agree with those in equation
(7.2) of reference [ 181.
3. SUB-SYSTEM

ANALYSIS

In practice, piping systems may contain several inputs and outputs simultaneously.
When the acoustic system can be assumed to be linear, one logical solution is to apply
the principle of superposition:
that is, the system can be analyzed by treating one input
at a time and the resultant solution can then be obtained by summing all the single-input
solutions. Another approach is to use a different formulation
in which the multiple inputs
are related to the outputs by a higher order parameter
matrix. However, both these
methods have inherent disadvantages
in that the first can be time consuming
and hence
uneconomical
to use while the second requires relatively larger computer storage and
also can lead to computational
instability
in inverting the parameter
matrix, which may
be ill-conditioned
for certain types of piping systems.
One way of avoiding the disadvantages
is to formulate the systems in such a way that
the inputs and outputs are related by a two-by-two
parameter
matrix. This approach is
computationally
more flexible and theoretically
simpler. To obtain the desired form of
matrix the system may be sub-divided
into a number of sub-systems
having (a) one input
and two outputs, (b) two inputs and one output, (c) one input and three outputs, and
(d) three inputs and one output. After the resultant four-pole parameter matrices of the
sub-systems
are formed they are interconnected
accordingly.
Then the piping system can
be analyzed or simulated in a usual manner with due consideration
of boundary conditions.
The idea of this sub-system
analysis procedure
can be best conceived
by considering
cases (a) to (d) individually,
as follows.
3.1.

SUB-SYSTEM

WITH

ONE

INPUT

AND

TWO

Consider
the sub-system
shown in Figure
matrix for the branching
can be written as
[aIS =

OUTPUTS

3. In this system

[alXalL[alk,

the resultant

parameter

(25)

180

C.

where the superscripts

The four-pole matrix

s. ro

L and S denote local (branching)

equation for the sub-system
is

and sub-system

respectively.

(261
where Z, is the acoustic
matrix for the branching

I
I

impedance
is identical

looking into the branching.

Note that the parameter
in form to that of a side branch resonator.

Figure 3. Sub-system with one input and two outputs. The superscripts
L and S denote local
(branching)
and sub-system,
respectively.

3.2. SUB-SYSTEM

WITH

TWO

The resultant two-by-two

output, as shown in Figure

INPUTS

AND

PI

P2l

p2:

p3

V,

VZl

4 :

Figure 4. Sub-system
with two inputs and one
output.
P; = PP,) V{ = qV, , and the rest of the
symbols are similar to those in Figure 3.

ONE

OUTPUT

parameter matrix for a sub-system with two inputs

4, can be obtained as follows. First one writes
P;=pP,

and

V~,=T,-V,,

and one

(27)

where p and n are frequency dependent

numbers. Once /3 and r] are known the four-pole
matrix equation of the branching
can be written as

where [a]; = [a]~[a]~[a]$.

The four-pole
station 1 and 2 can be expressed as

matrix

equation

for the branching

containing

(29)
By making use of the continuity
condition
and the principle of conservation
of mass in
steady flow, that is, P,, = P2*= P23and V,, = V,, + Vz2,one can write a similar four-pole
matrix equation for the branching
containing
stations 2 and 3 as

(30)

ACOUSTIC

From equation

Substituting
\lu]S gives

OF

this equation

181

(30) and multiplying

{ ;} +m{

;j

equation

(32) into equation

-v;dn,

(33) is the desired

SUB-SYSTEM

the resulting

equation

by

= muI,(

(27) and (28)

A,z=

3.3.

SYSTEMS,

into equation

(31), after some algebraic

WITH

ONE

A2,
resultant
INPUT

manipulation,

= @r u;

A,, = 1~1; - &,a&.

four-pole

equation

221

AND

127

matrix

THREE

results

==lul;+ ~a;%,&,

A,,

A=A,,Az-A,zAz,,

Relation

PIPING

(29),

From equations

Substituting
in

ANALYSIS

of the sub-system.

OIITPl!TS

The s&-system
shown in Figure 5 can, in fact, be analyzed as two sub-systems
with
one input and two outputs. However, there are situations
in which the analysis of the
sub-system as one unit may be necessary. Moreover, it is often more economical to analyze
the unit as one rather than two sub-systems.
With reference to equation (26), the four-pole matrix equation for the sub-system may
readily be written as
(34)
where 2; and 2, are the acoustic
and 4, respectively.

impedances

looking

into the branchings

at stations

PI, L/I-

Figure
outputs.

5. Sub-system

with one input

and three

P2 p23

fd

2 7 i

vi

b,

Figure 6. Sub-system
with three inputs and one
V;=qV,;
P;-=cP,,
and V;=
output.
Pj = Of,,
lLVI

(. w. s. l-0

182
3.4. SUBSYSTEM

WITH

THREE

INPUTS

AND

ONE

OUTPUT

The sub-system with three inputs and one output can be analyzed as two sub-systems
with two inputs and one output connected
in series. In this sub-section
the sub-system,
shown in Figure 6, is analyzed as a single unit. The following relations are required before
the resultant

four-pole

matrix

equation

for the sub-system

Vl = 77v,,

PI = PP,,

can be derived:
vy=pv,.

P( = <PI,

Here p, 7, {, and p are frequency dependent

numbers.
Consider the first element of the sub-system.
The four-pole

matrix

(35)

equation

is
(36)

Also, the four-pole

written as

matrix

equation

for the second

element

of the sub-system

can be

(37)
Similarly,

the four-pole

matrix

equation

for the fourth

element

of the sub-system

is
(38)

As
p*, =

p22= pz3,

V2,= V2,+ Vz2, and

pi, = p42=

pa,

Vd3= V4,+ Vd2,

(39)

one can write

(40341)
However,

By making

Equation

use of equations

(42)-(44)

one can obtain

(40) can be recast as

(46)

Substituting
multiplying

equation
(46) into (45) and using
by [a]: results in

equations

(36), (37) and (42), and then

(47)

ACOUSTIC

ANALYSIS

OF

PIPING

SYSTEMS,

183

Applying the relations in equation (35) and simplifying one finally acquires the required
four-pole matrix equation as
(48)

4. DYNAMIC

CHARACTERISTICS

OF THE

PIPING

SYSTEM

In the last two sections a theory for the acoustic analysis of piping systems has been
presented. In this section the dynamic characteristics, such as ratios of acoustic pressure
and transfer impedances at stations downstream are considered. They are required in the
computation of acoustic resonant frequencies, and acoustic pressures at the stations. Once
the acoustic pressure at a particular station has been obtained, the corresponding dynamic
loading may be computed by taking the product of the cross-sectional area associated
with the station and the inverse (backward) Fourier transform of the acoustic pressure.
In this way the loadings near elbows and T-junctions, for instance, can be assessed.
4.1. SYSTEM WITH AN ACOUSTIC PRESSURE SOURCE
Consider the piping system in Figure 7. If the source at station i is an acoustic pressure
one, it can be shown (by making use of the four-pole matrix equation) that the ratio of
the acoustic pressure at station j downstream to that at i, that is, at the source, is
(49)
where Zj is the acoustic impedance at station j of the piping system; the third subscript
i designates the acoustic element between stations i and j with i = j - 1 and j = 2,3,4, . . , n.

I
I

I
I

Figure

7.

I
1

A piping system.

In practice, if a block valve is suddenly opened an acoustic pressure source is then

created there. The frequencies corresponding to the absolute maxima of equation (49)
are the acoustic resonant frequencies of the piping system.
The acoustic impedance Zj in equation (49) is

Z, = (-%a,lj + at2j)l(ZA,,

anj),

(50)

184

C. w. s. l-0

where k =j + 1 = i t-2. If there are several acoustic elements downstream of station j

equation (50) can be used to obtain recurrently the acoustic impedances at stations j + 1.
j +2,. . , n.
4.2. SYSTEM WITH AN ACOUSTIC VOLUME VELOCITY SOURCE
As well as acoustic pressure sources there may be acoustic volume velocity sources in
the system. For instance, a gas compressor at a certain station of the piping system in a
gas compressor installation may be regarded as an acoustic volume velocity source. To
model this kind of source one can use the pressure to velocity transfer impedance, that
is, the ratio of the acoustic pressure at station j to the acoustic volume velocity at station
i, which is
e/ Vi= (ZiQ,,i - Q~z~)/IQ)~>

(51)

where Zi=(ZjQl,,
+Q,,,)/(ZjQ,,i+Q*2i),
i=j-1
andj=2,3,.
.., K
The frequencies corresponding to the absolute maxima of equation (5 1) are then the
acoustic resonant frequencies of the piping system.
5. ACOUSTIC ELEMENTS
The most important and basic acoustic element is the uniform pipe with a steady mean
flow, because other elements can be constructed by using this as a building block. The
four-pole parameter matrix of this element has been presented in section 2. In the following
sections parameter matrices of another 18 elements are considered. By making use of all
these and the theory for system and sub-system analysis included in sections 2 and 3 any
large and complicated piping system can be modelled and/or analyzed.
5.1. A SIDE BRANCH TYPE ELEMENT
Three units of a side branch type element connected in series can be used as a high-pass
or low-pass filter. For instance, when the terminations of the branches are open it is a
high-pass filter. The parameter matrix of the element shown in Figure 8 is

n-

[Ql=

[Qli,

i=l

[Qli

ch Yi

Zi sh Yi

(l/zi) shy,

chYi

ezFM;Yr

for

i=

1,3,

[a]*= [ ,;z*

;]y

z2 cotanh y, for closed end side branch,

z2 tanh y, for open end side branch,

z*=

Yi= Yili,
k; = k;/(

1 -MI),

Zi = PC~lSi,
kj = w/c:,

yi = jk:
lw; = UJC:.

It should be emphasized that if the cross-section of the side branch is large in comparison
to the wavelength, the phase over this cross-section is not constant and the impedance
cannot be defined [19].
5.2.

A RESONATOR

WITH

A CAVITY

type of element shown in Figure 9 is commonly used in modelling or analyzing

water tank acoustics in hydraulic piping systems. If station 4 is closed, the acoustic
The

ACOUSTIC

ANALYSIS

OF

PIPlNG

SYSTEMS,

185

----

cr 3

0
----

_-

---

0;

I
I

2
0

II

c3

/
0

/
I
/

Figure

impedance

8. A side branch

at station

resonator.

Figure

9. A resonator

with a cavity.

3 will be
.G = a,JazI?.

On the other hand,

if station

(53)

4 is open then
(,54)

-G = a123/a22i.
The acoustic

impedance

at station
-G=

The parameter

matrix

2, looking

A RESONATOR

of the element

WITH

is

P2/VZ=(Z,a,12+a,2,)/(Z,a2,,+a2,2).

A TEE

(55)

is

[al = [.ll[
5.3.

into the cavity,

SIDE

,/z,y][.L.

(56)

BRANCH

The type of element shown in Figure 10 can sometimes be applied to analyze or model
a blowdown
stack in a gas piping system. The parameter
matrix of the element can be
written as

5, = (&all2 +a122)l(5a2k2+a222L

1/5=(1/Z35)+(1/Z36)r

.Z&= I&/ V,, = (Zsa,14+a12~~l(Zsa21~+a22~),

-Zk= PJ V36= (Z,all,+a12~)l(Z~a2~s+a22~).

I
I

Figure

12

IO. A resonator

24

with a T side branch.

Figure I I, A resonator
special type.

with a T side branch

of

186

c.

W. S. TO

When station 5 is open Ps = 0, and hence Z,, = a,,,/a,,,.

When it is closed V, = O,, and
Similarly,
when
station
6
is
open
Z,,
=
a,
I51 aZZS,and when it is closed
then Z3, = aI 14/a214.
Z36 = 4 151a215.
5.4.

A RESONATOR

WITH

A TEE

SIDE

BRANCH

OF

THE

SPECIAL

TYPE

The element shown in Figure 1I can be used to analyze or model a blowdown stack,
in which an orifice or a valve may be included, in a gas piping system. The parameter
matrix of this element is

(58)

[al = [a],[ I,L23 y]L.b,

Z23= P23lV23= t&4,2+ a122)l(Sa212+ad
z3 = p3/ v3= (.%a,13+ ad(&a213+

ad

&= Pa/ V4=(&a,I4 +h)/(Gh+

ad

G= (a,&+

l/Z5=(l/Z5,)+(l/&)

alzdV7)/(4216P,++a226V7)r

-&= (a,,,P*+a,,,V,)I(a,,,P,+a,,,V8).
The end conditions at station 7 or 8 are such that when it is open, the acoustic pressure
at the station is zero and when it is closed the acoustic volume velocity is zero.
5.5. AN EXPANSION
CHAMBER
TYPE
ELEMENT
When the diameter of cross-sectional area S2 of the element shown in Figure 12 is not
large compared with the wavelength, the parameter matrix of this element can be written
as
n=3
(59)
[al = ,IJ, [ali,
where [a]i is the parameter matrix associated with element i of uniform cross-section.
When the diameter of S, is large compared with the wavelength, equation (59) is no
longer valid. This is because of the presence of higher order modes of wave propagation:
that is, wave propagation is not merely in the zeroth order mode. However, higher order
modes contribute nothing to the volume flow. Therefore, the total volume flow is exactly
the zeroth order mode volume flow. As the total volume flow is continuous the zeroth
order mode volume flow must also be continuous [20]. On the other hand, the contribution
to the pressure from higher order modes is not zero. Consequently, the zeroth mode
pressure is discontinuous at the discontinuity. Thus, when the diameter of S, is a large
correction factor, known as the Karal correction [20], has to be introduced.

Figure 12. An expansion

chamber type element.

Figure 13. A partition chamber type element.

ACOUSTIC

5.6.

A PARTITION

CHAMBER

ANALYSIS

TYPE

OF

PIPING

SYSTEMS,

187

ELEMENT

The partition chamber type element, shown in Figure 13, is also known as an expansion
chamber with an orifice plate. The parameter matrix of this element is
II=5

(60)

La]= ,JII,Lali7
fori=1,2,4,5,
Yi =

si,

zi = pc:/

YA

z3f3],

[aI3 = [ y3)z3

1
I,= t+2e.

Here t and e are the thickness of the orifice plate and the end correction on either side
of the orifice plate, respectively. The end correction e can be regarded as that for a
constriction terminated in a wide flange and is equal to 8r3/3rr, where r3 is the radius of
the orifice [17].
5.7. AN EXPANSION
CHAMBER
WITH INSERTION
PIPES
The element shown in Figure 14 has the parameter matrix
II=5

[al=

[Uli=e-:.[(l/~~~h~i

LLy

Zii = zi(i+l) cotanh yi,

c;=
a2 = ~r3l[c(ri

Figure
pipes.

14. An expansion

for i= 1,3,5,

cl,=

rY)l,

chamber

[aJi=[1,;,,

%3=P4I(S3-S,),

w/(k-ja,),
-

(61)

n, [al,,

245 = PW(S3

w/(k-jcrl),

Figure
tube.

(f]

fori=2,4,

- S,),

k-o/c,

a4 = ~r31[4r: - 41,

with insertion

II

6=

(~?7ef/P)2.

IS. An expansion

chamber

with a choke

5.8. AN EXPANSION
CHAMBER
WITH A CHOKE
TUBE
Similar to the element described in the last sub-section, the element shown in Figure
15 can offer a higher transmission loss over the entire frequency range of interest than
expansion chambers of similar sizes without projecting pipes. The parameter matrix of
the element is
n=7

La1= ilJ, Lli2

[ali

= emMLyr

ChYi
(l/zi)shy,

ti

sh yi
thy,

for i = 1,2,4,6,7,

(62)

LIiz[

l,iii

y]

for i=3,5,

C.w. s. 70

188

Z, = z,(, +, , cotanhY,,

+4 = P4I

4 = ol(k
LYJ= cjrg/[c(

5.9.

A CLOSED

LOOP

-_@A
r; - ri)],

Z?6 =p:,i(s,-s,).

(S, -- xd,
c.k = wl(k

-jcf5),

(Ye = &,/[c(

rX - ri)].

ELEMENT

A loop is generally recognized

as an element consisting of a main line and a by-pass
line as shown in Figure 16. The procedure
for obtaining
the parameter
matrix of this
element has already been given in section 2.3. For completeness,
the elements of the
parameter
matrix are included here as
a II

-(a

122alll

+a121al12)l(a122+a121),

(63a)

aI2 = a121a122/(a121+a,,,),
a2, = azll +a212+(a222-a22jI(aI,I

(63b)

-al12)l(alzl

a22 = (a121Q222 +a122a221)l(a,2,

+a,22)l

+a,,,).

(63d)

It should be noted in passing that equation

(63) can easily be generalized
which the closed loop element possesses several by-pass lines. Moreover,
and the by-pass lines can have orifices or valves or both. For instance, if
and the by-pass line have orifices at stations A and B as indicated in Figure
parameters
of the element are similar to those in equation
(63) except
parameter
matrices of the main line and by-pass line are, respectively,
[all

= [aldal.4[alA2,

(63~)

for cases in
the main line
the main line
16, the matrix
that now the

[aI2 = I~llBCalB[alB2,

where [allA is the parameter

matrix of the pipeline containing
stations 1 and A, [alA is
the parameter
matrix of the orifice at A, [alA is the parameter
matrix of the pipeline
matrix of the pipeline containing
containing
stations A and 2, [a],, is the parameter
stations 1 and B, [ale is the parameter matrix of the orifice at B, and [ulR2 is the parameter
matrix of the pipeline containing
stations B and 2.

21

II

Figure

5.10.

I
I

I
I

A CLOSED

16. A closed

LOOP

loop element.

WITH

n IDENTICAL

Figure

17. A closed

ELEMENTS

IN

loop with n identical

elements.

PARALLEL

A closed loop with n identical elements in parallel is a special case of that considered
in the last section. With reference to equation (63) the matrix parameters
of the element

ACOUSTIC

shown

in Figure

ANALYSIS

17 can be written
El
a II = alI,

OF

PIPING

SYSTEMS,

as

a 12= aGIn,

a2, = a,B,,

a2l = nak

where the superscript

B denotes the by-pass line.
This type of element is usually applied to the simulation
compressor
installation.
5.11.

BOTTLF.

ELEMENT

OF

THE

189

FIRST

of interstage

(66a-d)

coolers

in a gas

TYPE

The type of bottle element shown in Figure 18 is usually installed next to the compressor
in a gas compressor station. A simple model for the element is to consider it as a volumetric
element [12]. However, a more realistic model is to treat it as one that comprises various
pipe elements of uniform cross-section
areas. Thus, the parameter matrix of the element
may be expressed as
n-4

(67)

[al= iIJ, [al,,

~al,-e-~~~~[~l,~~~h~i

L;y

a
Figure

5.12.

18. Bottle element

BOTTLE

ELEMENT

[al,=[(1/z3):anh~,

II

F--

(2

+J--

(3

--+I

Figure

THE

SECOND

(4

y+

of the first type.

OF

I1.

for i= 1,2,4,

19. Bottle element

of the second

type

TYPE

The bottle element shown in Figure 19 is similar to that considered

in the last section
except that the direction of mean flow and sound propagation
is in reverse. The parameter
matrix of the element is
n=4

[al= iIJ, [al,,

fori=l,3,4,

5.13.

BOTTLE

ELEMENT

OF

THE

THIRD

TYPE

(68)
0
[=[(1/z2):anhy,

(SCRUBBER)

This third type of bottle element

is shown in Figure 20(a). Mathematically,
the
parameter
matrix for this element is similar to that of a scrubber which is usually used
to remove suspended
matter in the system. A typical geometrical
configuration
of tower
type scrubber is shown in Figure 20(b). The parameter
matrix of the element is
n=5

[al = iIJl [al,,

(69)

190

----ii

ii

II
,A--J,
Figure

20. (a) Bottle element

where [ali with i = 1,3,5

are identical

of the third type;

in form to those of equation

0

uli=[(l/zi):anhyi
5.14.

BOTTLE

ELEMENT

WITH

ONE

(b) scrubber.

INPUT

AND

(61), and

TWO

for i = 2,4.
OUTPUTS

The bottle element shown in Figure 21 can be analyzed as two side branch type elements
in series. Therefore, the parameter matrix can be evaluated by applying equation (52).

Figure

5.15.

BOl-l-LE

ELEMENT

21. Bottle element

WITH

TWO

with one input and two outputs.

IDENTICAL

This type of bottle element is usually placed

of compressors
in a gas compressor installation.

INPUTS

22. Bottle element

ONE

OUTPUT

at the intermediate
downstream
location
By making use of the result in equation

+IFigure

AND

with two identical

0
inputs

and one output

ACOUSTIC

(33), the parameter

matrix

ANALYSIS

OF

of the element

PIPING

shown

SYSTEMS,

in Figure

191

22 can be written

as
(70)

where the symbols

5.16.

AN

are defined

(33) and p = n = 1.

in equation

ORIFICE

The parameter
matrix of an orifice element
uniform pipe by assuming that the axial length

can readily be deduced from that

of the orifice is small. Hence,

[.iz

[al=

of a

(71)

where y = y,l.
5.17.

A REDUCER

OR

AN

EXPANDER

ELEMENT

This type of element is usually encountered

upstream of an orifice meter or a pulsation
bottle. It can be approximated
by a series of uniform pipe elements of equal length
connected
in series. The parameter matrix of the element shown in Figure 23 is

La]= ri Lali3

(72)

i=,

where n is a chosen
cross-section.

integer

and [ali is the parameter

matrix of the ith element,

Expander

Reducer

23. A reducer

Figure

5.18.

AN

ELEMENT

FOR

of uniform

MODELLING

or expander

ANECHOIC

END

element.

CONDITION

Situations
may often arise in which the length of the pipe between the plant and
discharge
side of the compressor,
for example, is long, so that the amplitude
of the
travelling
wave will be reduced to zero, due to the damping effects, before it reaches
some discontinuities
downstream.
In such situations
the condition
downstream
can be
considered anechoic. To model the anechoic condition one can apply the parameter matrix

[al=[s/bc,

i]

where V, is the acoustic volume

of the anechoic termination.

or [al=

velocity

[s/be,
y],with v2=o,

at an appropriately

6. CONCLUDING

selected

station

(73)
downstream

REMARKS

The transfer matrix approach presented

in this paper enables one to account for the
damping effects between the medium and the pipe wall, the effect of mean flow, and the

192

(. w. s. TO

differences in temperature
and static pressure at inlet and discharge stations. The latter
is done by using appropriate
speeds of sound and densities of the medium in evaluating
the associated parameter
matrices. Using this approach may help to eliminate or reduce
the discrepancies
between measured and computed pressure pulsation levels reported in
references
[9, I 1, 141, in which no damping effects, a stationary
medium, and constant
sound speed and density throughout
the entire piping system were assumed.
The matrix parameters
for a uniform pipe with a steady mean flow presented in this
paper agree with those given in references [21] and [22].
The sub-system
analysis has the simplifying
feature of describing
a system having
multiple inputs and outputs by a two-by-two
parameter
matrix, distinguishing
it from
those analyses in which a higher order matrix is used to relate the multiple inputs and
outputs of the system. Such simplicity makes computations
for pressure pulsation levels,
resonant frequencies,
and other acoustic properties
of the system more flexible.
Finally, it must be pointed out that for a realistic investigation
of acoustic pulsation
of piping systems, a flow characteristics
analysis in which the gas properties, the equivalent
number of velocity heads for friction losses through elements, the pressure drops and
fanning friction factors are considered
has to be performed
prior to the application
of
the present analysis.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author

is grateful

to one of the referees

for his persistently

constructive

comments.

REFERENCES
1. C. JAEGER 1963 Transactions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Journal of Basic
Engineering 85, 631-640. The theory of resonance
in hydropower systems: Discussion of

incidents and accidents occurring in pressure systems.

2. E. B. WYLIE 1965 Transactions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Journal of
Basic Engineering 87, 960-966. Resonance in pressurized piping systems.
3. V. L. STREETER and E. B. WYLIE 1967 Hydraulic Transients. New York: McGraw-Hill.
4. M. H. CHAUDHRY 1970 Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Journal of the
Hydraulics Division 96, 18 19-1839. Resonance in pressurized piping systems.
5. J. M. SHARP and E. N. HENDERSON 1956 Oil and Gas Journal 54(36), 80-86. Pulsation control
and maximum compressor efficiency, Part I.
6. J. M. SHARP and E. N. HENDERSON 1956 Oil and Gas Journal 54(37), 113-l 18. Pulsation
control and maximum compressor efficiency, Part II.
7. THE M.W. KELLOGG COMPANY 1956 Design of Piping Systems. New York: John Wiley &

Sons, Inc.
8. F. J. WALLACE 1960 Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers 174, 885-915.
Pulsation damping systems for large reciprocating
compressors
and free-piston gas generators.
9. S. S. GROVER 1966 Transactions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Journal of
Engineeringfor Industry 88,164-l 7 1.Analysis of pressure pulsations in reciprocating compressor
piping systems.
10. A. G. PLATONOV 1969 Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, 517-519. Acoustical design procedure for interstage
piping in a compressor
plant with modular intercoolers
and baffled
shell-and-tube
intercoolers.
11. T. ABE, T. FUJIKAWA and S. ITO 1970 Bulletin of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers
13, 678-687. A calculating method of pulsation in a piping system.
12. T. SAKAI and S. SAEKI 1973 Bulletin of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers 16, 54-62.
Study on pulsations
of reciprocating
compressor
piping systems (1st report, Calculation
of
natural frequency of complicated
piping systems).
13. T. SAKAI and M. MITSUHASHI 1973 Bulletin of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers 16,
63-68. Study on pulsations
of reciprocating
compressor
piping systems (2nd report, Model
experiment
of natural frequency).

ACOUSTIC

ANALYSIS

OF PIPING SYSTEMS.

193

and K. MITSUHASHI 1973 Bulletin of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers 16,
1675-1682. Study on pulsations of reciprocating compressor piping systems (3rd report, Analysis
of pulsations in the piping).
15. J. OKDA 1978 Journal of the Acoustical Society of Americh 64 (supplement 1, S49). One-

14. T. SAKAI

dimensional analysis of expansion-chamber-type

muffler with flow.

16. J. D. TRIMMER 1937 Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 9, 162-164. Sound waves in
a moving medium.
17. L. E. KINSLER and A. R. FREY 1962 Fundamentals of Acoustics. New York: John Wiley and
Sons, Inc., second edition.
18. M. LAMPTON 1978 Acustica 39, 239-251. Transmission
matrices in electroacoustics.
19. T. M~WA and J. IGARASHI 1959 Aeronautical Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Report
No. 344, Volume 25(4). Fundamentals
of acoustical silencers, Part II: Determination
of fourterminal constants of acoustical elements.
20. F. C. KARAL 1953 Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 25, 327-334. The analogous
acoustic impedance
for discontinuities
and constrictions
of circular cross-section.
21. M. L. MUNJAL 1975 Journal of Sound and Vibration 39, 105-l 19. Velocity ratio-cum-transfer
matrix method for the evaluation of a muffler with mean flow.
22. J. W. SULLIVAN 1977 Proceedings of the Winter Annual Meeting of the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers on Noise Fluids Engineering 161-169. Modelling of engine exhaust system
noise.

APPENDIX:

NOTATION

In addition to the notation defined in what follows, symbols have been defined
throughout the text whenever it was felt necessary for clarity. the units quoted are Systkme
International (SI).

c:
CE

ch

.t

M
M
I
p,

r,

4
sh

z,
2

z
a

i5
T6.

the mth row and nth column element of the matrix [a]
the two-by-two
parameter matrix, the subscript i denoting the matrix number
determinant
of matrix [ali
arbitrary constant, the subscript denotes number
sound speed in the fluid, with damping effects disregarded
(m/s)
complex sound speed in the fluid with the damping effects included, (m/s)
as above, the subscript i denoting the acoustic system in which c: is used (m/s)
the equivalent sound speed (m/s)
hyperbolic cosine
frequency (Hz)
the Mach number, U/c
the Mach number associated with the complex sound speed c, U/c
the Fourier transformed
acoustic pressure (N/m)
the Fourier transformed
acoustic pressure at station i (N/m2)
radial co-ordinate
of the cylindrical co-ordinate
system; radius of a circular pipe (m)
radius of a circular pipe or chamber of the ith element (m)
cross-sectional
area (m2)
cross-sectional
area of the ith element (m2)
hyperbolic sine
time (s); thickness of orifice plate (m)
the constant speed of the moving medium (m/s)
the unidirectional
acoustic particle velocity
the Fourier transformed
acoustic volume velocity of the medium, (m3/s)
the Fourier transformed
acoustic volume velocity of the medium at station i (m3/s)
the acoustic impedance
the acoustic impedance
at station i
the characteristic
impedance
the characteristic
impedance
at station i
the attenuation
constant (neper/m)
propagation
constant
frequency dependent
parameter (= G)
the effective shear viscosity (kg/ms)

194

n
P

CL
0

(.

product symbol
density of the fluid
the complex velocity potential
radian frequency (rad/s)

w. s.

TO