Machines & systems

Reduce vibrations. Minimize risks.

Vibration in machinery and industrial systems directly affects operational safety, service life, and noise emissions. At KÖTTER Consulting Engineers, we support industrial clients with vibration analysis, dynamic load assessment, and root cause analysis in complex installations. Our Machinery and Industrial Systems division provides expertise in machine dynamics, fluid dynamics, pulsation studies, and engineering acoustics, with the goal of preventing damage and ensuring safe, reliable operation.

We combine deep technical expertise with proven, field-tested methods to optimize dynamic behavior, flow performance, and acoustic performance. From early design phases through troubleshooting, we deliver end-to-end support using systematic analysis, high-precision measurement systems, and customized solutions, worldwide and independent of manufacturers.

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Machine dynamics

Efficient vibration optimization for machinery and industrial systems

In the field of machine dynamics, vibrations in rotating and reciprocating equipment are analyzed, including pumps, compressors, motors, and turbomachinery. The objective is to identify and evaluate resonances, imbalance conditions, and dynamic overloads at an early stage.

Our analyses are based on operational measurements combined with frequency- and time-domain analysis techniques. The results provide a reliable basis for design modifications or targeted vibration mitigation measures, such as vibration dampers for piping systems or customized pulsation control solutions for pipeline networks.

Your added value at a glance

Reduced risk of downtime, increased availability, less wear and damage, and improved workplace safety. We provide efficient troubleshooting worldwide, even under challenging conditions. Our experts deliver cost-effective, technically sound solutions across a wide range of industries.

Service overview

We support you from the planning phase through commissioning and throughout the entire service life of your facility, ensuring safe and reliable operation at every stage.

Reliable results

Based on our measurements and predictive analyses, we develop targeted solutions to prevent critical vibration issues before they occur.

Services

Identification of structural natural frequencies
Design and sizing of vibration isolation systems for machinery installation
Measurement of strain and stress on piping and equipment using strain gauges
Root cause analysis of critical vibration issues
Development of effective vibration mitigation measures
On-site field measurements and long-term monitoring

Fluid dynamics

Your partner for flow-induced vibrations and gas flow deviations

Flow-induced vibrations commonly occur in piping systems, valves, and rotating equipment. KÖTTER Consulting Engineers investigates fluid dynamic effects such as turbulence, flow separation, and unsteady flow that can result in excessive vibration or noise. Our analyses are performed under actual operating conditions and provide the foundation for targeted measures to reduce pressure pulsations in piping systems. They also support monitoring concepts for gas handling facilities and help enhance overall operational safety. Our goal is to minimize flow-induced loads and ensure stable, efficient plant performance.

A systematic approach to solutions

We analyze fluid-related noise and vibration phenomena using specialized measurement equipment, advanced simulation tools, and deep expertise in applied physics. Our structured approach includes four steps: problem identification, development of a customized solution concept, determination of the underlying physical root causes, and the design and implementation of effective corrective measures. These include proven mitigation solutions such as pulsation damper plates based on the KÖTTER principle.

Service overview

We support you from initial planning and design through commissioning and across the entire service life of your facility, ensuring safe, reliable operation.

Reliable results

Based on our measurements and predictive analyses, we develop targeted solutions to prevent critical vibration- and pressure-related issues.

Services

Measurement of pressures in turbomachinery and piping systems, vessels, boilers, and similar equipment, including high-temperature applications
Measurement of absolute pressure, differential pressure, pressure drop, and dynamic pressure components
Invasive and non-invasive pressure measurements
Analysis and assessment of pressure pulsations, including high-frequency pressure fluctuations
Identification of root causes of excessive pressure pulsations and noise sources
Determination and analysis of measurement errors in flow measurement systems
Acoustic modal analyses
Multiphysics measurements combining pressure, vibration, temperature, strain, noise, valve positions, and process data
On-site testing as well as long-term monitoring
Development of application-specific mitigation measures

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Pulsation studies

Safe design and optimized operation of reciprocating compressors and pumps

Pressure and flow pulsations are a common cause of vibration and equipment damage, particularly in systems with reciprocating compressors and pumps. As part of pulsation studies, we analyze and evaluate pulsation-induced pressure fluctuations in piping systems.

The results support a targeted assessment of resonance risks and the design of effective mitigation measures, such as pulsation dampers or customized piping vibration solutions, to sustainably reduce dynamic loads.

Tailored analysis and simulation

Whether for new installations, retrofits, or system expansions, we analyze gas and liquid pulsations, verify damper designs, evaluate valve dynamics, and simulate mechanical response. Each study incorporates all relevant operating and system parameters and delivers practical, implementation-ready recommendations.

Service overview

From the analysis of gas- and liquid-induced vibrations to damper optimization and mechanical response simulation, we evaluate acoustic effects and integrate field measurement data to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.

Reliable results

Adaptive methods and high-precision measurements support both planning and day-to-day operation. This helps prevent damage and allows modifications to be implemented smoothly and reliably.

Services

Pulsation damper design based on the KÖTTER principle
API 618 and API 674 studies
Structural dynamic simulation
Damper verification and engine load assessment
Piping vibration analysis
Pressure surge analysis

Technical acoustics

Design acoustics. Prevention from the start.

Vibrations and fluid flow phenomena are often closely linked to noise emissions. In the field of engineering acoustics, sound sources in machinery and industrial facilities are identified and evaluated. Our investigations include sound measurements, frequency-specific analyses, and detailed assessments of root causes, ranging from material selection to component geometry. Depending on the application, additional evaluations are conducted in building acoustics and environmental noise control or, in the case of energy facilities, as part of wind turbine noise and shadow flicker studies.

Our objective is to develop effective noise mitigation strategies while ensuring compliance with all technical and regulatory requirements for plant operation. We reduce emissions sustainably and design for acoustic performance before problems arise.

Targeted solutions for low-noise technology

During ongoing operation, we implement focused measures such as surface optimization, effective damping solutions, refined geometries, and installation configurations to prevent the transmission of structure-borne noise and reduce airborne sound radiation. Whether through finite element modeling, root-cause analysis, or component testing, we provide precise data to support sound engineering decisions.

Service overview

From architectural acoustics and FEM simulations to weak-point analyses and component testing, we develop immediately implementable noise control solutions and provide acoustic troubleshooting for both new and existing systems.