DAMPING PADS

Damping pads are installed on the bottom of a baseplate, so that they are acting in compression. In addition, damping tension is installed on the top side of the baseplate, so that when the bolt is in tension the damping washer is compressed. This damping pad/washer system serves to increase the damping of the stack structure, and suppress wind induced vibration on the stack. The addition of the damping pad does slightly increase the flexibility of the base, which can result in slightly higher lateral deflections when the stack is subjected to along wind loadings. Usually this increase is minimal, but Meca can estimate the additional deflection for a specific stack.

The damping pad material is a preformed laminated fabric pad of a manufactured material composed of layers of tightly twisted, closely woven lightweight material. Each layer is made up of an elastomeric compound containing a mold and mildew inhibiting agents.

Advantages

Does not increase wind loads

Impervious to most oils and solvents

Not frequency dependent and works for all modes of vibration

Disadvantages

Can only withstand temperatures up to 200 F (93 C)

Difficult to retrofit existing stacks

Slight increase in lateral deflection

Does not provide enough damping for every stack

I have a vibration problem, what’s next?

If you are unsure that a damping pad is the right option to reduce the effects of vortex shedding (wind induced vibrations) on your stack, then click on our “Vortex Shedding Solution Wizard” to receive an email about our general recommendation based on your parameters entered.

Vortex Shedding Solution Wizard

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Is this stack near another tall structure? *

Help for near another tall structure

To determine if you are near another tall structure you want to make sure that another structure that is 3/4 of the height of your stack is not within 15 diameters of your stack (i.e. stack that is 100 ft [30.5 m] tall with a 5 ft [1.5 m] base diameter would be near another tall structure if the structure was 75 ft [22.9 m] tall and within 75 ft [22.5 m] of the stack)

What temperature do you have at baseplate? *

Help for temperature at base

If you don't have hot gases near the baseplate, then you typically would expect the temperature at the baseplate to be less than 200 °F [93 °C].

What is the overall stack height? *

Help for overall stack height

What is the overall height of the stack from grade to the top of the stack. If the stack is supported on top of other equipment or another structure, include the height of that supporting structure as well by going all of the way down to grade.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How do damping pads work?
It has been well documented that elastic foundations provide more structural damping than rigid foundations. The damping pads introduce elasticity into the foundation which increases the inherent structural damping. This results in reduced vibration amplitudes. In fact damping pads are listed in ASME-STS -1 as an acceptable means to dampen a stack.

How much damping can be achieved?
Field tests have been performed which indicate that critical damping values of up to 0.001 to 0.03 have been achieved. Meca will estimate the damping that is to be expected on a specific stack.

Will this cause the stack to see larger lateral deflections due to along wind loads?
The damping pads do introduce some elasticity into the base, but they are also very stiff. There will be minimal impact on the lateral deflection due to along wind loads.

Do the pads hold up over time?
These pads have been in service for up to 30 years, with no reported problems.

Can pads be used on existing stacks?
It is possible to use pads on existing stacks, but the stack must be raised in order to insert a pad under the baseplate. Typically pads are 1″ thick, so it must also be considered that stack connections will be raised approximately 1″.