How Does Pulsation Dampeners Work

All pulsation dampeners utilize one of two methods for mitigating energy produced by reciprocating pumps; compression or exchange. The traditional gas-charged dampeners use a compressible gas cushion, either by a gas over liquid or gas-filled diaphragms, bladders, or cartridge. As the reciprocating pump produces pressure spikes, the gas compresses, thus absorbing the pressure difference and smoothing the pumped media flow. For maintenance free pulsation dampeners, rely on energy exchange. There is a common misconception regarding maintenance free pulsation control devices that the pumped media is compressible enough to absorb the reciprocating pumps’ pressure spikes. This is not true. However, the maintenance free pulsation dampeners work by utilizing the kinetic energy exchange. This kinetic energy exchange can only happen if the pulsation dampener’s volume is large enough to dissipate enough energy to reduce the adverse effects caused by the reciprocating pump. This is why maintenance free pulsation devices require massive volumes to be effective. Sigma Drilling Technologies has developed a pulsation dampening system that utilizes both methods for reducing the harmful effects of positive displacement pumps, both compression and exchange.