Key Questions to Ask When Ordering types of vibration dampers in transmission lines

Author: Liang

May. 06, 2024

A guide to anti-vibration mounts

A guide to anti-vibration mounts

If you want to learn more, please visit our website types of vibration dampers in transmission lines.

Why anti-vibration support is so important

Vibration can create havoc:

  • Damage to machine parts
  • Loosening of screws and bolts
  • Loss of production
  • Transmitted noise, which can travel throughout a building
  • Damage to floors
  • Malfunctions with sensitive and accurate equipment
  • Operator discomfort
  • The shortened lifespan of the machine

If a motor, fan or any other moving part is involved, vibration transmission really can not be prevented. It can be controlled, which is the job of an anti-vibration mount. It’s an extremely cost-effective solution designed to reduce noise and reduce vibration. . Think of a generator and the potential damage vibration can cause. Vibration dampers for machines prevent those problems from occurring. You might find it helpful to check out the Types of generators and how they compare and Quick guide: components for your industrial generator.

How do anti-vibration mounts work?

They fasten to the application – usually on the bottom to provide vibration control. Once applied to the application, they will work to protect equipment, limit noise and vibration and help to limit the excessive noise that can be caused by vibrations.

What material absorbs vibration the best? This is critical, of course. Typically, the best vibration damping material is rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a family of rubber-like materials. We’ll take a closer look at materials further on but first, let’s explore types.

Types of anti-vibration mounts

The most common anti-vibration dampers are popular for good reason: they’re effective at reducing vibration, shock and noise. You’ll notice the term “Shore” when describing the material. If you’re not familiar with the meaning, check out What’s shore hardness and why should you care?

Here are common examples of anti-vibration mounts for machines:

Heavy-duty vibration mounts

  • Good adhesion to the floor
  • Screw-on damping mounts
  • TPE Shore 75 A

Used for: Heavy machinery, HVAC, generator, vibration mounts, and anti-vibration mounts for air compressors

Vibration-mount standoffs

  • Acts as an anti-vibration cushion between two parts to absorb vibration
  • Both male/male and male/female styles available
  • Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 176˚F
  • Neoprene rubber Shore 40 and steel

Used for: Flight controllers, machinery, generators, HVAC blower motor compartments

Vibration-mount grommets

  • Ideal for stationary machinery that can’t avoid movement
  • Flexibility to help vibration and noise damping
  • Neoprene rubber Shore 60 A

Used for: Assemblies within electronics

Vibration grommet screws

  • Used with vibration grommets
  • Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 122˚F
  • Zinc-plated carbon steel

Used for: HVAC blower motor compartments, electronics

Which materials absorb vibration?

As already mentioned, TPE and rubber are excellent materials for absorbing vibration. The benefits to mounts made of these materials are below.

Rubber anti-vibration mounts

Rubber vibration dampers often contain another material, such as steel. The advantage to this is that it enables easy mounting and provides durability. They’re fastened to your machine and can be used for compression. When your machine is in use, rubber mounts absorb and damp vibration, significantly minimizing the impact of vibration and noise.

Natural rubber is resistant to abrasions and low temperatures, but it has poor resistance to petroleum-based fluids. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber, and this is the most common material used to make rubber mounting.

Rubber, whether synthetic or natural, possesses long-coiled, high-molecular-weight chains. These chains are cross bridged with specific chemicals to form a network. The result is a material that can accept and recover from extreme deformation of 200% or more.

Generally, Nitrile material offers:

Resistance to weather and UV rays Poor Water resistance Good Chemical resistance Excellent Tear resistance Good to excellent Resistance to gas permeability Very good Resistance to ageing due to steam Fair to good Compatibility with ketones Poor Compatibility with alcohols Fair to good


Generally, Nitrile material has:

Temperature Range -40°C to 100°C /-40°F to 210°F Tensile Strength
Elongation 200 – 3,500 PSI
350%-650% Maximum Durometer
Resilience/Rebound 20-95 Shore A
Good

 

Elastomers for anti-vibration mounting

Synthetic materials that mimic rubber are elastomers. What you’re looking for is a balance of properties. You should understand how they affect each other. It might be that you need to reduce a characteristic of one material to strengthen the characteristic of another.

Vibration mounts, which act as feet on machinery and conveyors, are often made of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE). The advantage of TPE is that is that it’s one of the most effective materials for vibration damping.

It has good tear and abrasion resistance, TPE also has excellent flexural fatigue resistance and high impact strength. Because of its outstanding electrical properties, it’s an ideal solution for applications involving electronics or equipment.

Generally, TPE material offers:

Tensile Strength 0.5 – 2.4 N/mm² Notched Impact Strength No break Kj/m² Thermal Coefficient of expansion 130 x 10-6 Max Cont Use Temp 140˚C / 284˚F Density 0.91 – 1.3 g/cm3

 

Resistance to chemicals:

Dilute Acid Excellent Dilute Alkalis Excellent Oils and Greases Excellent Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Excellent Aromatic Hydrocarbons Poor Halogenated Hydrocarbons Poor Alcohols Excellent

 

How to choose vibration damping mounts

Step 1: What’s the machinery’s weight?

This will give you an idea of how many mounts you’ll need, or the size of those mounts. The heavier the machine, the larger the mounts – or number of mounts – will be required.

Step 2: What’s the weight of the mounts you need?

Let’s say your machine weighs 800 lbs. and you’ll be using four mounts. If the weight of the machine is distributed equally, you’ll want mounts weighing 200 pounds each. If the machine’s weight is not distributed equally, you’ll want heavier mounts where it’s needed.

Step 3: What is the machine’s RPM (repetitions per minute)?

Measure the machine’s speed. If you’re designing the machine, you’ll know what its RPM is.

Step 4: What is the machine’s static deflection?

This is how much your mount will compress under the weight of the machine. Using the chart below, let’s return to your machine that weighs 800 lbs, including the fan. Your degree of vibration isolation is 85%. Let’s now say the machine’s fan works at a speed of 1400 RPMs. Draw a line on the chart starting at 1400 RPMs and go across until you hit the 85% diagonal line. Now draw the line straight down. You’ll land on 3.5mm at the bottom. That’s your static deflection.

Step 5: Which mounting type?

Based on all the information you now have, you can choose the mounting type and dimensions that gives you the static deflection you need.

 

Download free CADs and try before you buy

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.

Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.

Safeguarding Cables: Spiral Vibration Damper Certification

Safeguarding Cables: Spiral Vibration Damper Certification

Vanessa Ngethe

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7 min read

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Mar 7, 2024

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Want more information on transmission line damper? Feel free to contact us.

One tool used to lessen vibration and stress on overhead conductors is a spiral vibration damper. It is sometimes referred to as an SVD or a Stockbridge damper. It consists of a flexible material, such steel or aluminum, twisted into a coil. As a tuned mass damper, the coil connects to the conductor. To lessen the stress on the conductors and dampen oscillations, a part of the kinetic energy gets used by the spiral damper. Its spiral shape makes it flexible and adaptable to various conductor types and sizes. Decreased vibration lessens weariness and increases the electrical system’s dependability. Heliclical dampers, spacer dampers, prepared dampers, and yarn dampers are examples of common SVD kinds.

Procedure for choosing a spiral vibration damper

Many manufacturers offer a range of designs for spiral vibration dampers. It may thus take some time to choose the best dampers for your tasks. Remember the following while selecting the best dampers for your installation.

Power line specification — assess the specific characteristics of the power line. This is including conductor size, tension levels, span length and anticipated wind conditions.

Vibration analysis — conduct a thorough vibration analysis of the power line. This is to identify the frequencies and amplitudes of the wind-induced vibrations.

Manufacturer’s record track — select vibration dampers from manufacturers with a good reputation. This should also involve experience and expertise in power line projects.

Standards compliance — ensure that the selected dampers follow the relevant industry standards and specifications.

Damping performance — check the damping performance of the dampers. This is by considering factors such as the effectiveness of vibration reduction, design and damping materials.

Durability and maintenance — consider the durability and maintenance requirements of the dampers. You should look for dampers made from materials that withstand environmental conditions. These includes factors like UV exposure, temperature variations and corrosive elements.

Cost — check the cost effectiveness of the dampers by comparing the costs of different damper options. Check on the performance, durability and long-term maintenance requirements.

Technical support — ensure that the manufacturer offers adequate technical support. This includes help with damper selection, engineering calculations, installation guides among others.

Installing a spiral vibration damper safely

The type of damper, the installation instructions from the manufacturer and the project requirements all affect the spiral vibration damper installation process. Installing an SVD should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and occur after speaking with qualified professionals. This ensures that vibrations on electrical lines caused by wind are appropriately managed. Here is a breakdown of the stages involved in installing the dampers.

Preparation — conduct assessment of the application before the installation. This is to determine the optimal locations for their placement along the power line. This should consider factors like conductor type, span, wind conditions and the desired level of vibration damping.

Conductor preparation — clean the surface of the conductor to remove any dirt, grease or other contaminants. Check the conductor for signs of damage or defects that may affect the installation.

Positioning — determine the location for installing the SVD along the length of the conductor. Consider factors such as conductor sag, span length and environmental conditions.

Attachment — attach the SVD to the conductor according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ensure proper alignment and fastening to the conductor.

Tensioning — adjust the tension according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This is through the use of the tensioning tools.

Inspection — inspect the installed damper to ensure it positions and attaches to the conductor. Check for signs of damage or defects that may affect the performance of the damper. Ensure there are no safety hazards or issues that could affect the performance of the dampers.

Maintenance — follow the manufacturers recommendation for ongoing maintenance of the spiral vibration dampers. This is including the periodic inspections and any replacements or adjustments.

Documentation — keep records of the installation process including locations, installation date and observations.

Procedures for spiral vibration dampers’ maintenance

Regular maintenance is necessary to maintain the continuing efficacy of spiral vibration dampers in suppressing aeolian vibrations. The activity depends on the several environmental variables present in the installation region. Enough upkeep of the SVD guarantees its continuous efficacy in mitigating vibrations. It’s also a good idea to consult subject-matter specialists on occasion. Below is a summary of spiral vibration damper maintenance.

spiral vibration dampers require frequent maintenance

Conduct regular inspections of the spiral vibration dampers to check for any visible signs of damage, wear or corrosion. Check to ensure the dampers are securely attached to the conductors.

Clean the surface of the dampers to remove dirt, dust or debris accumulated overtime. Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe the dirt.

Check the tension to ensure it remans within the recommended range. Use a tensioning tool to measure and adjust the tension as needed.

Ensure fasteners, bolts, or clamps are in good condition and properly tightened.

Assess the condition of the coating looking for any areas where the coating may lead to corrosion.

Confirm the adjustable features are set according to the environmental conditions. Adjust if necessary to optimize the dampers performance.

Replace or repair anu worn out dampers to maintain optimal performance. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for repairing damaged dampers.

Consider environmental conditions at the installation site to prevent corrosion from various elements.

Perform emergency inspections after severe weather events like storms or high winds. This is to check for potential damage.

Keep detailed records of each inspection including maintenance activities performed and observations made.

Checking the Stockbridge dampers

Evaluating spiral vibration dampers entails determining how well they work to lessen vibrations. It also contributes to the enhancement of overhead transmission lines’ dependability. Furthermore, testing and analysis are necessary to verify the dampers’ functionality, dependability and efficacy. Making well-informed decisions on system performance, placement and design becomes easier by this. The spiral vibration damper testing procedures are as follows.

Field testing — this involves installing dampers on actual transmission lines and monitoring their performance. Track the behavior of the transmission line during windy conditions to check the effectiveness of the dampers.

Fatigue testing — this involves putting the dampers to repeated loading cycles to check their durability and performance. Assess the factors such as material fatigue strength, endurance limit and fatigue crack broadcast.

Quality control testing — install quality control testing during the manufacturing process. This helps to ensure the dampers meet performance standards. Use destructive and non-destructive testing methods to verify material properties, dimensions and mechanical properties.

Laboratory testing — this allows for controlled experiments to check the performance of the damper. Measure factors such as natural frequency, damping ratio and resonance behavior.

Comparative studies — conduct comparative studies between transmission lines with and without the dampers. This is to assess their impact on system reliability and performance. Compare factors such as conductor vibration levels, maintenance requirements and outage rates.

Spiral vibration damper certifications

The dampers’ certifications differ based on some variables, including the intended use, the region and industry norms. It’s crucial to confirm that they adhere to the standards and certifications pertinent to your application. Manufacturers must be able to produce proof of their adherence to the relevant certifications. The certifications and standards that apply to spiral vibration dampers are as listed below.

ensure the selected dampers comply with certifications

IEC standards — these are standards for electrical equipment including spiral vibration dampers. They provide guidelines for design, testing and performance of various components.

ISO certifications — this is an internationally recognized quality management standard. It helps to ensure adherence to quality and performance of the product. They provide guidelines for evaluating the performance and effectiveness of the dampers.

ANSI standards — this is an American standard for certain electrical components including spiral vibration dampers. They may include requirements for vibration damper used in electrical transmission systems.

National electric code — this is compliance with NESC published by IEEE which is necessary for dampers used in electrical transmission.

Product certification agencies — product certification agencies such as UL offer certification services for vibration dampers. This is to ensure compliance with applicable safety and performance standards.

Industry specific certifications — these are specific certifications such as those from organizations such as American wind energy association.

Customer requirements — some customers may need the spiral vibration damper to meet specific certifications. They may also need them to comply to standards beyond the ones mentioned before.

Frequently asked questions

What is a spiral vibration damper and how does it work in electrical installations?

An instrument called a spiral vibration damper serves to lessen conductor vibrations caused by wind and other outside influences. It comprises of a flexible plastic helical coil that dampens vibrations and absorbs kinetic energy.

How are spiral vibration dampers tested for performance?

Fatigue testing, comparison studies, field testing and laboratory testing all help to check the performance of SVDs. These tests check things like vibration abatement, robustness, efficiency and adherence to relevant certifications and standards.

Why are spiral vibration dampers used in electrical installations?

Reduced vibrations extend the lifespan and dependability of overhead transmission lines. Strong vibrations raise the possibility of outages and maintenance expenses. This is by causing conductors and supporting structures to wear and collapse.

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