Acoustic fatigue in piping systems

7.3 Acceptance level

7.3.1 Additional evaluation to further increase of the acceptance level
The acoustic fatigue method as presented in TR1951 is based on common and best practice
within Equinor. With reference to TR1951 section 7.3.1, further evaluation can be executed
with the objective to increase the acceptance level.

An evaluation of exposure time may be done to achieve a higher acceptance level in order to
reduce modifications on piping. The evaluation is based on a fatigue curve, stress versus
number of cycles (S-N curve). The stress is proportional to force. The force is a result of
sound power that excites the natural frequency of the piping shell. The amplitude or stress
relates to the sound power. This principle is consistent with ASME publication PVP-Vol 328,
Flow induced vibration, ASME 1996, by Eisinger. This publication is reference for the
equations in TR1951.

With reference to fig. 1, an S-N curve is given for different weld classes. Class F is used for
fillet weld. The ratio of the sound power level for a short period of time, and the sound power
accepted for 12 hours according to section 7.3 in TR1951 is calculated as “Ratio (a/b)” in fig.
1. The ratio of acceptable stress according to the S-N curve at the respective time (Sh/S12) is
calculated and an example is given in fig.1. A pipe shell frequency, f = 2000 Hz is used, and
from a given duration the number of cycles, N, can be calculated (time duration x frequency).
If the ratio in “Ratio (a/b)”, sound power ratio, is less than the ratio in “Ratio (Sh/S12),
fatigue ratio, then the result is acceptable. 2000 Hz is regarded as being conservative. The
time duration of the relief, and the time duration for the fatigue to achieve a stress ratio in the
same magnitude is evaluated.

Based on the above method 1 hour duration is typically equal to 4dB extra acceptance level.
Shorter durations than 12 hours accumulated for the entire lifetime shall be confirmed by the
process department. Duration shall not in any case be less that 1 hour.
Fig. 1 SN curves – acoustic fatigue.
The sound power level in fig. 2 is extracted from the Exxon guide and is an acceptable
alternative to TR1951. It shall not be used together with S-N curves. As shown in fig. 2 the
acceptance criteria in the Exxon guide is generally higher for D/t ratios up to 60. The curves
are shown with 5 dB added for durations up to maximum 12 hours.

Fig. 2 Sound power acceptance levels.