Classification: Internal Use

NUMBER P01-E12
REV. No. 2
ENGINEERING STANDARD DATE SEP 2020
PAGE 1 OF 11

Dynamic Effects on Piping Systems

This document is issued by PED, SABIC E&PM, Jubail Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The information contained
in this document is the confidential property of SABIC. It cannot be disclosed, copied or used for any purpose without approval
from SABIC. If you are not authorized to posses this document, please destroy it immediately.
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NUMBER P01-E12
Dynamic Effects on Piping REV. No. 2

Systems DATE SEP 2020

ENGINEERING STANDARD PAGE 2 OF 11

CONTENTS
1 Scope ................................................................................................................. 3
2 References ......................................................................................................... 3
3 Definitions........................................................................................................... 3
4 General............................................................................................................... 4
5 Impulse Loading ................................................................................................. 5
5.1 Analysis Methods ............................................................................................... 5
5.2 Water Hammer ................................................................................................... 5
5.3 Pressure Safety Valve Loading .......................................................................... 5
5.4 Rupture disk ...................................................................................................... 6
5.5 Slug Flow............................................................................................................ 7
5.6 Vibration Control ................................................................................................. 7
6 Harmonic Loading .............................................................................................. 7
6.1 Pulsation Loading (Reciprocating Compressors) ............................................... 7
6.2 Wind Induced Vibration ...................................................................................... 8
6.3 Analysis Methods ............................................................................................... 9
6.4 Vibration Control ................................................................................................. 9
7 Revision History ............................................................................................... 11

Figure 1 - Vortices Shed from a Circular Cylinder ................................................... 10

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1 Scope
This standard establishes design requirements for piping systems subject to the dynamic effects of
impulse loads and harmonic loads and supplements the requirements for ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3
codes.

2 References
Reference is made in this standard to the following documents. The latest issues, amendments, and
supplements to these documents shall apply unless otherwise indicated.
SABIC Engineering Standards (SES)
P01-E01 Design Of Plant Piping And Transportation Pipelines
P01-E04 Flexibility Analysis Requirements of Piping System
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings
B31.1 Power Piping
B31.3 Process Piping
Section VIII Div. 2 Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
American Petroleum Institute (API)
RP 520 Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-relieving Devices, Part I–Sizing and Selection
618 Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services

3 Definitions
Force Spectrum. A frequency vs. force spectrum constructed from predefined force sets that are based
on load versus time data. Information from predefined force sets usually consist of load magnitude,
direction, and location.
Harmonic Loading. Applied loading that varies sinusoidally with time, t, and has the form:
Fi(cos ωt + i sin ωt) or Dj(cos ωt + i sin ωt)
where:
Fi = the maximum amplitude of the harmonically varying force for node “i” in a piping
system, where “i” goes from one to the total number of nodes where dynamic forces
are specified.
Dj = the maximum amplitude of the harmonically varying displacement for node “j” in a
piping system, where “j” goes from one to the total number of nodes where dynamic
displacements are specified.
ω = omega, the circular frequency of excitation. Applies to all dynamic forces. Each
load case corresponds to a different value of w. (radians/sec)
t = time.
Solutions to harmonic loading problems are generally expressed as:
x(t) = xo cos(ωt+ϴ)
where:
xo = Maximum displacement amplitude
ω = Excitation frequency
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ϴ = Phase angle
Natural Frequency (f). The inverse of the natural period. (cycles/sec) or (HZ).
Natural Period (T). The time required for a structure to go through one cycle of free vibration after the
force causing the motion has been removed or has ceased to vary. (Usually expressed in sec.)
T = 2π/w = 2π(M/k)
where:
M = Mass of the system.
k = Stiffness of the system.
Open System. An installation where the effluent is discharged directly to atmosphere or to a discharge
pipe or stack that is uncoupled from the safety valve.
Relief Valve. An automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the static pressure upstream of the
valve which opens further with the increase in pressure over the opening pressure. Primarily used in
liquid service.
Safety Valve. An automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the static pressure upstream of the
valve and characterized by full opening pop action. Primarily used in vapor or gas service.
Set Pressure. The pressure setting at which the automatic pressure relieving device is adjusted to open
under the specified operating conditions.
Time History Analysis. An analysis of the dynamic response of a piping system at each increment of
time when a portion of the system is subjected to a specific motion time history.
Von Karman Vortex Condition. A phenomena occuring in cross flow conditions in which vortices are
shed periodically in the wake of a fluid flowing across a body such as a cylinder. The shedding produces
alternating lift forces normal to the cylinder axis and flow (see attachment 1.)
Vortex Shedding Frequency (w s). the frequency corresponding to the alternating lift forces on a body
produced by vortices in a Von Karman vortex condition.
ws = S(V/D)
where:
S = Strouhal Number  0.19
V = Fluid velocity, (ft/sec)
D = Outside diameter of pipe plus insulation, inches

4 General
4.1 Impulse loading is a time dependent loading condition usually characterized by a suddenly applied
single point load that may take the form of some sort of shock, such as water hammer, pressure
safety valve relief, rupture disk opening, and slug flow. Various static methods exist to determine
a piping system’s response to these types of impulse loading. These methods are usually more
than adequate for most applications. However, in some instances, it may become necessary to
obtain a more accurate system response by applying dynamic analysis procedures such as time
history analysis and response spectra analysis.
4.2 Various examples of harmonic loading can be found in piping systems, such as fluid pulsation
loads due to piston action in reciprocating compressors and pumps, eccentric loading in rotating
equipment, and also wind induced vibration such as vortex shedding.
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5 Impulse Loading
5.1 Analysis Methods
5.1.1 The requirement and methodology to use dynamic analysis to evaluate a piping system’s
response to impulse loading shall be at the discretion of SABIC.
5.1.2 Time history analysis that incorporates the mode superposition technique to summarize
the history response of the system shall utilize a sufficient number of modes, a short time
step, and a long enough duration time to ensure accuracy of results. A minimum of eight
modes, a time step equal to 1/12 of the highest frequency used, and a duration equal to
the time step times the number of steps is recommended for solution convergence.
5.1.3 Dynamic stresses resulting from impulse loading such as water hammer, pressure safety
valve relief, rupture disk bursting, or slug flow shall be treated as occasional stresses and
shall be added to sustained stresses for the purposes of meeting ASME B31 Code
compliance. The correct allowable stress shall be in accordance with the appropriate
ASME B31 code.
5.2 Water Hammer
5.2.1 Pump piping configurations shall be designed to minimize dynamic loads associated with
hydraulic transient effects due to pump power startup, outage, and rapid valve closure.
5.2.2 The pressure wave considered in water hammer analysis shall be considered as a single
pass event, not repetitive or harmonic.
5.2.3 Swing check valves in discharge pump piping shall be located and supported so as to
minimize the damaging hammer effects resulting from pump outages.
5.3 Pressure Safety Valve Loading
5.3.1 Reaction Force
a. Pressure safety valve piping and supports shall be designed to withstand the thrust
loads and vibration due to discharge.
b. Thrust loads associated with safety valve releases in pressure relief systems shall be
calculated as follows:
F = (W(KoT/(Ko+1)M)**1/2)/366 (with no impact factor)
or
F = ((CK/183)(Ko/Ko+1)**1/2)AP (with impact factor of 2)
where:
W = CKAP(M/T)**1/2 and:
F = Reaction force, lbs.
A = Orifice area of valve, square inches
C = 520 ((Ko (2/Ko+1)**(Ko+1)/(Ko-1))**1/2
Ko = Ratio of specific heats, Cp/Cv
M = Molecular weight of gas or vapor
P = Inlet pressure at time of opening, psia
T = Absolute temperature, degrees Rankin
K = Coefficient of discharge
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W = Flow rate, lbs/hr

A simplified formula that may be used for the PSV reaction force is:
F = 0.6 (Ko+1) AP
5.3.2 Dynamic Effect on Piping Systems
a. Safety valves are normally provided with fixed support at the outlet side to prevent
movement and to transfer forces and moments to support. With this, dynamic effect of
the connected piping can be avoided and situation will be evaluated.
b. For closed discharge systems in which safety valves connected to relatively long runs
of pipe are discharged, emphasis should be given to anchoring and guiding the long
run of pipe to account for transient flow effects which may result from air being
entrained in the discharge piping.
c. Consideration should be given to increasing the design pressure of the closed
discharge pipe by a factor of 2 over the steady state operating pressure to account for
the possible pressure wave steepening into a shock wave.
d. Steady state reaction forces for closed discharge systems should be considered as
self-equilibrating and occurring at the point of discharge. Its magnitude shall be
calculated in accordance with the methodology set forth for open discharge systems
in ASME B31.1 Appendix II Par.2.3.1.
e. When more than one safety valve discharges into a common header, the interaction
loads from their discharge shall be evaluated and considered in the stress analysis of
the piping system.
f. The methodology for evaluating reaction forces associated with safety valve
discharges in open systems shall be in accordance with ASME B31.1 Appendix II Par.
2.3.
g. Pressure relief piping, including supports, shall be designed to resist reaction thrust
loads from valve discharge, minimize vibration, and allow for valve removal.
h. For relief systems in high pressure reciprocating compressor applications, provisions
shall be made to minimize relief valve vibration due to harmonic and impulse loading
through the use of hold-downs, guides, and directional anchors on valve inlet and valve
discharge piping.

5.4 Rupture disk

5.4.1 Dynamic recoil forces resulting from bursting rupture disks shall be considered in the
design of vessel shells and the piping to which they are attached. In the absence of a
formal dynamic analysis, a suitable dynamic load factor or impact factor shall be
incorporated into the static analysis. The rupture disc reaction force may be calculated as
follows:
F = 0.378 (Ko+1) AP
where:
F = Reaction force, lbs.
Ko = Ratio of specific heats, Cp/Cv
A = Orifice area of the disc, square inches
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P = Inlet pressure at time of opening, psia (Set pressure+ 14.7)

5.4.2 Exhaust stacks attached to rupture disks on vessels discharging to atmosphere shall be
routed as straight as possible and guided where appropriate to reduce vibration due to
bursting effects. Beveling of stack tips shall be discouraged to minimize dynamic
overturning moments on flange nozzles.
5.4.3 A formal dynamic analysis consisting of a time history and force spectrum analysis shall
be performed on piping systems with rupture discs operating at pressures greater than
2500# rating.
5.5 Slug Flow
5.5.1 Lines in which the possibility of liquid accumulation may occur, such as blowdown lines
and flare headers, shall be investigated for the possibility of slug flow.
5.5.2 Slug flow forces at elbows shall be calculated with the following formula:
F = (1.414RhoA(V)**2)/g
where:
Rho = Density of fluid, (lbm/cubic ft)
A = Cross-sectional flow area, (square feet)
V = Velocity of fluid, ft/sec
g = gravitational constant, 32.2 ft-lbm/lbf-sec**2
5.5.3 Expansion loops in flare headers subject to slug loading shall be designed with directional
anchors in all directional changes of pipe run within the loop. The gap between directional
anchors and support steel shall be checked to allow for pipe rotation during thermal
movement and to prevent the pipe from bending.
5.6 Vibration Control
5.6.1 The preferred method for controlling vibration in piping systems subject to impulse loading
shall be with piping anchors and guides. Alternate means of vibration control such as rigid
struts, and mechanical and hydraulic snubbers may be considered when anchors and
guides do not satisfy required load and movement requirements.
5.6.2 If spring actuated sway braces are used to control a pipe against sway, the sway braces
shall be installed in the neutral position when the piping system is hot and operating.
5.6.3 Rigid struts shall be capable of handling both tensile and compressive loads. Their use
shall not restrict the piping system’s flexibility.
5.6.4 The use of U-bolts to restrain piping subject to impulse loads shall be avoided. Pipe
clamps or hold down pipe clamps utilizing belleville washers with a suitable vibration
damping isolating material are preferred. Clamp assemblies shall be designed to permit
axial thermal movement of the pipe without imposing large frictional loads on the piping
system.

6 Harmonic Loading
6.1 Pulsation Loading (Reciprocating Compressors)
6.1.1 The design approach for pulsation and vibration control in reciprocating compressor piping
shall be specified by the engineering contractor and reviewed by SABIC.
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6.1.2 The design approach may consist of an analog acoustical/mechanical study, a digital
acoustical/mechanical study, or any combination thereof but shall follow the requirements
given in API 618 Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry
Services, Par. 7.9.4.
6.1.3 Pulsation suppression devices shall meet the requirements of API 618 Reciprocating
Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services, Par. 7.9.5.
6.1.4 Supports for pulsation suppression devices shall meet the requirements of API 618
Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services, Par.
7.9.6.
6.1.5 Pulsation generated unbalanced forces shall be evaluated in all piping as well as between
the pulsation dampeners and compressor cylinder in a direction transverse to the cylinder.
Forces shall be limited as follows:
Pulsation Dampeners : 1000 lbs. (peak to peak) (for freq. <30 hz).*
Piping : (100 lbs. (peak to peak) X nominal line diameter in inches),
(for freq. < 30 hz).* Maximum = 1000 lbs.
Cylinder to dampener : Vector sum of the forces between suction and discharge
dampener across cylinder shall be 100 Ibs. (peak to peak) X
nominal nozzle diameter in inches Maximum = 1000 lbs.
 For frequencies greater than 30 hz, the maximum allowable unbalanced forces for
dampeners and piping shall be:
((30/frequency))1/2 X(100 lbs (peak to peak) X Nominal line diameter or nozzle
diameter)
6.1.6 For compressors with horsepower ratings greater than 500 HP per cylinder, compressors
located on platforms or at limited access sites, and compressors with overhead piping
near the compressor, pulsation generated unbalanced forces shall be limited to 250 lbs.
maximum peak to peak.
6.1.7 For multiple units installations with common piping, the total of the unbalanced forces
generated in that pipe run by any two units shall be within the guideline established in
6.1.4.
6.2 Wind Induced Vibration
6.2.1 Pipe spans which may be suspected of being susceptible to wind driven vibrations, such
as piping routed down from tall vessels or structures, shall be evaluated for Von Karman
Vortex conditions.
6.2.2 Piping configurations designed for Von Karman Vortex conditions shall not have the first
or second harmonic frequency of the span near the Vortex shedding frequency. This may
be expressed arithmetically as follows:
0.5 > W/W n > 1.3
where:
W = Vortex Shedding Frequency
Wn = Harmonic frequency of the system
6.2.3 W/Wn shall equal 1.3 at wind velocities below 13.5 m/s (30 mph) in order to avoid high
amplitude wind vibrations.
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6.2.4 When it becomes impossible to avoid conditions where W/Wn =1, consideration shall be
given to increasing the natural frequency of the system through the addition of restraints,
modification of the pipe span diameter.
6.2.5 For a frequency ratio of within the excluded range, forces and moments can be calculated
for static strength analysis.
6.2.6 In the case of large free-standing discharge stacks, spiral at the top of stack shall be used
to destroy vortex shedding.
6.3 Analysis Methods
6.3.1 Computerized harmonic analysis runs of piping configurations in high pressure systems
(pressures in excess of that allowed by ASME B16.5 PN 420 (Class 2500# rating)) shall
incorporate hold down clamp stiffness values when modelling restraints.
6.3.2 Dynamic stresses calculated by harmonic analysis shall be compared to one half the
ultimate fatigue strength of the piping material. The maximum allowable alternating stress
intensity of the material @ 1,000,000 cycles shall be reduced by an appropriate fatigue
strength reduction factor as follows:
Sdyn < Salt/(SCF)(ERF)
where:
Sdyn = Calculated unintensified dynamic stress in the pipe, psi
Salt = Maximum allowable alternating stress intensity @ 106 cycles, psi
SCF = Stress concentration factor = 4
ERF = Endurance reduction factor = 2
For carbon steel pipe:
Sdyn < 26,000/(4)(2) < 3,250 psi peak to peak
6.4 Vibration Control
6.4.1 For piping systems subject to pulsation loading, all predicted mechanical natural
frequencies are to be a minimum of 30 HZ; or greater than 2.4 times the running speed of
the rotating equipment for double-acting systems and 1.2 times the running speed for
single-acting systems.
6.4.2 The following procedure should be utilized in analyzing low frequency field vibrations due
to either fluid pulsations or rotating equipment imbalances:
a. Quantifiable displacements, overstressed points, etc. shall be identified for use in
developing the dynamic model
b. A model of the piping system shall be constructed, with emphasis on accurately
modeling mass components such as flange pairs, valve operators, etc. with additional
node points included between span supports and at the near and far points of bends
c. The frequency, magnitude, location, and direction of the dynamic load shall be
estimated
d. The dynamic load shall be modeled in several harmonic analyses using harmonic
forces for pulsation or displacements for vibration. Harmonic resonances shall be
identified and the analysis results shall be compared to field data through an iterative
process until agreement is reached between the mathematical model and actual field
measurements
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e. The cyclic harmonic stresses from the mathematical run shall be compared to the
endurance limit of the piping material for the purposes of determining if a problem
exists with the piping system
f. If the results in e) indicate a problem exists with the piping system, a modal extraction
of the piping system shall be performed to isolate the mode or modes having a natural
frequency close to the forcing frequency of the applied load
g. The isolated mode in f) shall be eliminated by adding a restraint in the direction of the
mode shape, by adjusting the mass distribution of the system such as relocating
valves, flanges, changing the pipe size, etc., or by altering the forcing frequency of the
load
h. The final model with the removed isolated mode shall be reanalyzed statically to
determine the effects of any modifications on the static load cases
6.4.3 Low frequency vibration in piping systems shall be reduced by supporting piping near
bends and at all heavy masses and piping discontinuities.
6.4.4 Vibrations in small bore vents, drains, bypasses, and instrument piping shall be corrected
by bracing the masses (valves, flanges, etc.) to the main pipe.
6.4.5 Supports and structures used to restrain piping vibration must be capable of enduring the
continuous vibration loadings that they are installed to restrain.
6.4.6 The use of U-bolts to restrain piping subject to pulsation loading from reciprocating
compressors and pumps shall be avoided. The use of hold down pipe clamps
incorporating belleville washers with a suitable vibration damping isolating material such
as a neoprene fabric pad is preferred. For hot piping 121 – 176 ºC (250 - 350F), a
neoprene fabric pad with a Teflon belt is recommended. Clamp assemblies shall be
designed to permit axial thermal movement of the pipe without imposing large frictional
loads on the piping system.

Figure 1 - Vortices Shed from a Circular Cylinder

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ENGINEERING STANDARD PAGE 11 OF 11

7 Revision History
Revision No 1, Sep 2015
The title of the standard is changed from “Dynamic Effects on Piping
Systems Due to Harmonic Loads” to “Dynamic Effects on Piping
Systems”.
Overall restructuring are carried out by combining SES P01-E10 and
P01-E11 requirements, renumbering and rearranging the various
sections.
References and related specifications are updated.

 Revision No 2, Sep 2020 Updated: References & Definitions

Added: 6.2.5
Modified: Para. 1, 6.2.4 & 6.2.6