Allweiler Rotating Equipment

Pulsation Dampeners

Certain positive displacement pump types, including rotary gear, lobe, and vane pumps operating under variable load conditions, can generate pulsating flow: intermittent pressure spikes or surges caused by the nature of the pumping mechanism. Left unaddressed, pulsating flow can lead to product foaming, inconsistent flow rates, overpressure events, water hammer, pipework vibration, and inaccurate readings from downstream metering and monitoring equipment.

Pulsation dampeners are installed to absorb excess pressure surges, reducing pulsation by up to 80%, acting in a similar manner to a vehicle’s suspension system. Units can be pressurised via a compressed air supply or nitrogen, with the counter-pressure working to smooth out discharge flow fluctuations before they propagate through the pipeline. Pulsation dampeners require minimal maintenance and should be fitted as close to the pump outlet as possible

Parameter Value
Pulsation reduction Up to 80%
Pressurisation medium Compressed air or nitrogen
Types available Inline and bladder type
Suitable for solids-containing fluids Yes (inline type)
Available grades Industrial and food/hygienic grade

Inline vs Bladder Type

Inline dampeners are the more efficient option — longer in design, customisable in length, and capable of handling liquids with suspended solids. Flexible inline variants can also address pump vibration in addition to pulsation dampening, and carry a lower risk of damage from solids in the fluid.

Bladder type dampeners are more compact but may require a back pressure valve and manual pressure compensation. They are generally less efficient than inline types and can be susceptible to damage if solids enter the bladder.

Typical Applications

  • Downstream of rotary gear, lobe, and vane pumps where smooth discharge flow is required
  • Coating and precise container filling processes
  • Flowmeter and instrumentation protection where pulsation causes measurement inaccuracy
  • Spray system applications requiring a consistent, uniform flow pattern

Installation Notes

Install as close to the pump discharge outlet as possible. Ensure the selected dampener material is compatible with the process fluid — fluid properties, type, and viscosity must be confirmed prior to selection. Pulsation dampeners address flow pulsation and are not a substitute for anti-vibration mounts or flexible pump connections, which should be considered separately if mechanical pump vibration is also present.

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