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Centrifugal compressors are often used in pipeline compression applications where high flow rates are required. Under certain operating conditions, high flow rates past branched connections in the piping system can result in vortex shedding at the strouhal frequency. Significant excitation energy is generated if the strouhal frequency matches the acoustic resonance frequency of the piping side branch. This excitation energy can lead to undesirable piping vibration. Further coupling of the excitation energy with a mechanical natural frequency of the piping system will lead to increasingly undesirable vibration. During the commissioning of the Southeast Supply Header’s Lucedale Compressor Station, unsafe vibration levels were observed in the recycle gas piping near the surge control valves during certain operating conditions. An on-site analysis was conducted to measure the amplitude and frequency of the compressor piping vibration over a range of operating conditions. The on-site analysis provided evidence of flow-induced vibration in the recycle gas piping. An acoustic and mechanical response analysis of the piping system was conducted to verify the conclusions of the on-site analysis and determine the necessary piping modification needed to eliminate the flow-induced vibration. The acoustic analysis determined that vortex shedding frequencies were coincident with acoustic resonance frequencies of the fast stop valve side branch. The acoustic excitation was eliminated by modifying the branch connection length and flow path through the connecting tee. The mechanical response analysis was conducted to ensure that piping modifications were implemented in a manner that resulted in a acceptably supported piping system. Piping modifications were implemented and the flow-induced vibration was eliminated allowing safe operation throughout the desired operating range. The lessons learned from this study were applied to other centrifugal compressor stations that were in the d
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