Acoustic Induced Vibration (AIV) occurs when very high sound levels are propagated in piping. If the sound levels are high enough, they will excite the circumferential vibration modes of the pipe. This allows the pipe to vibrate as the sound wave propagates through the piping.
When the sound power level of a valve is above the criterion curve the downstream piping will be excited with such intensity that small bore nonsymmetrical connections may be at risk of AIV damage, most likely rupturing at small bore connections.
This rupture of a line could result in a major catastrophe should the flammable gas come in contact with an ignition source.
