In Perm, methods have been identified to enhance the vibration insulation of pipelines.

Pipeline systems are utilized in water supply, sewage, heating, as well as in the transportation of oil and gas. The operation of pumps, compressors, and other equipment generates significant vibrations that can lead to structural damage, ground subsidence, and accidents. To prevent such issues, pipelines are equipped with specialized thin-layer rubber-metal elements that possess excellent vibration isolation properties. The performance and safety of the entire system depend on the selected materials and the manufacturing process of these components. Researchers at Perm Polytechnic have analyzed various technologies for producing these elements and identified materials that can enhance their strength by 2 to 2.5 times.

2025-01-29 10:01:43https://naked-science.ru/article/column/vibroizolyatsiyu-trubopro

The article was published in the INGENIERIA UC journal. The work was supported by the Russian Scientific Foundation.

Thin-layer rubber-metal elements, such as flexible inserts, compensators, gaskets, and supports, are used in pipelines applied in aviation, rocket construction, shipbuilding, and other industrial sectors. These components consist of a thin layer of rubber bonded to metal fragments. This combination allows them to utilize the properties of both materials: rubber provides excellent vibration isolation and ensures the tightness of connections, preventing leaks, while metal imparts high strength and rigidity to these elements. This is essential for better equipment preservation in energy and transport engineering, shipbuilding, and in oil and gas pipelines.

The vibrations transmitted through pipelines during operation can lead to breakdowns, soil subsidence, and even accidents, making vibration isolation a critical property of rubber-metal elements. The quality of their production directly affects the effective and stable protection of equipment.

Researchers from Perm Polytechnic University analyzed various technologies for manufacturing thin-layer rubber-metal elements and identified the most optimal materials with the best properties for these purposes.

In the structure of such components, three elements are crucial: rubber, metal, and the adhesive mixture that bonds them. Therefore, the reliable operation of the products primarily depends on the characteristics of these materials. The main cause of equipment failure is the loss of tightness due to bonding failures and the appearance of delaminations, which is why the polytechnic researchers focused on studying elastic rubbers in combination with adhesive compositions.

“We conducted a series of tests on different samples of rubber-metal elements on a special stand that recreates vibrations at frequencies ranging from 20 to 200 Hz. The experiments showed that rubber made from polyisoprene (both synthetic and natural) exhibits the best elastic and strength properties. Besides its high strength, it also has superior technological properties: when processing parts, it quickly forms a dense, smooth blank and rapidly transforms into rubber,” explains Alexander Shaidur, a graduate student at the Department of Mechanics of Composite Materials and Structures at PNIPU.

“Preparing the metal surface is the next step to ensure a reliable bond between rubber and metal. According to our research, sandblasting proves to be the most effective – this is the process where a stream of compressed air under high pressure blasts fine solid particles of sand or steel powder onto the metal surface. Upon impact, these particles act on the metal at high speed, creating a rough surface that enhances adhesion strength,” explains Galina Shaidurova, a professor at the Department of Mechanics of Composite Materials and Structures at PNIPU, Doctor of Technical Sciences.

The adhesive system must firmly bond rubber and metal together. The final stages of the experiments showed that the best adhesion is achieved with a “primer + topcoat” adhesive system and the operation of maintaining a specified temperature during the co-vulcanization of the adhesive and elastomer to ensure the stability of its properties.

The overall results of the research conducted by Perm Polytechnic University scientists allow for an increase in the strength of the adhesion bond between rubber and metal in rubber-metal elements by 2-2.5 times through the use of other rubbers based on ethylene-propylene, butadiene-nitrile, and mixed rubbers. These conclusions are based on axial tests and tensile testing according to GOST standards. This significantly reduces the transmission of vibrations along the pipeline and ensures their reliability under high load conditions. The combination of rubbers with resins leads to improved results regarding vibration parameters. Research in this area is essential for the implementation of new projects for the Ministry of Emergency Situations and machinery manufacturers.