Calculate likelihood of piping failure from high-frequency acoustic vibration

The failure of a piping section at the outlet of pressure safety valves (PSVs) and control valves, where significant differential pressure exists, is a common problem, particularly in gas processing. The failure is mostly caused by acoustic induced vibration. High pressure discontinuity generates high vibration and sound levels, causing the failure of the piping system. The likelihood of failure (LOF) is generally established through the calculation of sound power level (represented as PWL) at the source and at different sections of the downstream piping. It is normally the welded joint that fails due to acoustic excitation. The welded joint can be of any type, including branch connection,