LISEGA HIDRAULIC SNUBBER X MECANICAL SNUBBER
Assessment Criterion
Protection against corrosion
Vibration proof guide system (Against
vibrations arising from normal operation of
the plant).
Maintenance-free Operation
Responds to Velocity. After a certain velocity (2-6
Working Principle (Dynamic events such as mm/sec) is reached, the snubber is blocked with the
earthquake are a velocity related functions) help of inbuilt control valves, thereby transferring the
complete load to the structure.
Large Load Peaks
Operation at higer temperatures
Control Indicators to assertain proper
functioning of the snubber in operating
condition
Failure Rate
Snubber supporting thermal movement in
case of snubber failure
LISEGA Hydraulic Snubber
Made exclusively from non-corroding materials.
Yes. With no metal to metal contact between piston
and inner body.
Qualified / Certified by a major European nuclear utility
to exceed twenty-three (23) years of continuous
maintenance-free service with a total life of minimum
forty (40) years.
In a dynamic event such as earthquake, large load
peaks are not desirable as they might cause extra
damage to the pipe or equipment. Hydraulic fluid has
a softening effect, avoiding these large load peaks.
Continuous operating temperature is 80°C. Even
higher temperatures for short time does not affect the
functioning of the snubber.
The piston position can be read from all sides by
checking the scale rings on the body of the cylinder.
The fluid level of the reservoir is indicated by the
position of the reservoir piston. The inbuilt sight glass
can be used for checking the minimum level.
Close to nil.
Even in an unlikely case that the snubber fails, it does
not get blocked and hence does support the thermal
movement of the pipe or equipment without damaging
them.
Mechanical Snubber
Made from Carbon Steel material, hence prone to
corrosion.
No. Thereby causing dents/scratches on the inner
surface, which may lead to failure of the snubber
(blocking).
Servicing / Inspection is needed every two to three
years. Manufacturers do not have overhaul capabilities.
Require a lot, regular and expensive maintenance in
addition to the probability of plant shutdown.
Responds to Acceleration. Hence even if the specified
velocity is reached, the acceleration may not be high
enough to block the snubber resulting in probable non-
functioning of the snubber when it is most required.
No softening effect. Large load peaks are unavoidable.
Moreover, the higher stiffness values of the mechanical
snubbers cause extra stress and strain on the pipe or
the equipment during a dynamic event.
The Grease / Lubricant used in mechanical snubbers
tend to "dry" out even at temperatures of above 35°C.
The lubricant undergoes degrdation and eventually
blocks the snubber.
Functioning can not be controlled during operation.
Snubber has to be removed and tested on a test bench
which may lead to plant shut down.
More than fourteen (14) percent.
If snubber failure occurs, it gets blocked and does not
allow the thermal movement of the pipe or the
equipment thereby putting damaging extra stress and
strain.