The FOX BHP Series inline spherical pulsation dampeners, technically also defined as resonators, represent an advanced construction solution for pulsation control in industrial systems. Unlike traditional bladder or diaphragm dampeners, this specific series is completely maintenance-free, with no consumable or moving parts inside.

Operating Principle and Advantages

The device operates entirely according to the physical principle of resonance. The compensation frequency generated by the dampener is reduced thanks to the internal design and the compression factor of the pumped fluid, known as the bulk modulus, a key parameter that must be carefully considered during selection and sizing. The use of these resonators ensures a drastic reduction in discharge pulsations. Although the actual value depends on the specific characteristics of the fluid and the line connections, pulsation reduction is typically greater than 60%, optimizing the fluid dynamic stability of the entire pumping cycle.

Construction Features and Materials

The high reliability of the BHP series is supported by the intrinsic robustness of its structure, suitable for withstanding operating pressures up to 1379 bar (20,000 PSI), with test pressures calculated according to PS x 1.43, 1.3, or 1.5. The standard configuration offered by FOX is manufactured from AISI 316 L stainless steel. Depending on the end user’s operating specifications and the nature of the fluid, construction materials are fully customizable and include DSS (Duplex Stainless Steel), SDSS (Super Duplex Stainless Steel), Alloy-20, Hastelloy-C, and carbon steel. For marine or highly corrosive environments, carbon steel is painted according to the dedicated FOX standard procedure or according to specifications provided directly by the customer. Available volumes also cover a wide industrial range, up to 5,000 liters.

Customization and Process Connections

The complete flexibility of the FOX BHP Series Inline Spherical Pulsation Dampener extends to the design of process connections. The inlet and outlet flanges, as well as their specific spatial arrangement, are manufactured according to the customer’s precise request. The standard construction provides a 180° angle between the connections, but the design also allows a 90° angle for the outlet flange. Similarly, vent and drain connections are fully adaptable: supplied as standard without blind counterflanges, they can be equipped with blind counterflanges, tie rods, bolts, and spiral-wound gaskets according to the specific process flange required, whether RF or RTJ.

Applications and Compliance

BHP series dampeners are typically installed directly at the suction and discharge ports of process pumps operating according to API 674 and API 675 standards. To meet international safety requirements, these components can be supplied, upon request, in strict compliance with the main global regulations. Available certifications include CE (2014/68/EU-PED), ATEX (2014/34/EU), ASME VIII Div.1 or Div.2 (U-Stamp + NB), EN 13445, EN 14359, PD5500, as well as multiple specific approvals for foreign markets such as KOSHA, SELO, CRN, DNV/RINA, and Lloyd’s/ABS.

Technical Summary Table

Technical summary table of the main characteristics.