Viscous Damper
High-performance viscous dampers for oil & gas, water supply, scaffolding, and structural applications. Available in round, square, and rectangular shapes.
Viscous Damper
Viscous dampers are advanced seismic protection devices that use fluid resistance to absorb and dissipate energy during earthquakes. When a structure moves, the damper converts kinetic energy into heat through high-viscosity silicone fluid, significantly reducing structural damage and improving building safety.
Our viscous dampers are engineered for reliability and long service life, featuring chrome-plated piston rods, precision-machined cylinders, and high-quality seals. They are widely used in high-rise buildings, bridges, hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities across seismic-active regions worldwide.
Technical Specifications
Standard Viscous Damper Models
| Model | Max Damping Force | Stroke | Velocity Range | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VD-100 | 100 kN | ±100mm | 0-0.5 m/s | 85 kg |
| VD-200 | 200 kN | ±150mm | 0-0.6 m/s | 120 kg |
| VD-500 | 500 kN | ±200mm | 0-0.8 m/s | 280 kg |
| VD-1000 | 1000 kN | ±300mm | 0-1.0 m/s | 520 kg |
| VD-2000 | 2000 kN | ±400mm | 0-1.0 m/s | 950 kg |
| VD-3000 | 3000 kN | ±500mm | 0-1.0 m/s | 1400 kg |
* Custom models available for specific project requirements
Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Standard Range | Custom Options |
|---|---|---|
| Damping Coefficient | 50 – 3000 kN·s/m | Up to 5000 kN·s/m |
| Stroke | ±50mm – ±500mm | Up to ±1000mm |
| Max Velocity | 0.01 – 1.0 m/s | Up to 2.0 m/s |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +80°C | -50°C to +120°C |
| Cycle Life | > 5000 cycles | > 10000 cycles |
| Stiffness | < 5% of damping | Adjustable |
Material Specifications
| Component | Material | Surface Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder Body | Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel | Hot-dip Galvanized / Paint |
| Piston Rod | 42CrMo / Stainless Steel | Chrome Plated |
| Piston Head | Alloy Steel | Phosphating |
| Damping Fluid | High-viscosity Silicone | N/A |
| Seals | PTFE / NBR / Viton | N/A |
| End Fittings | Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel | Hot-dip Galvanized |
Quality Certifications
| Certification | Standard | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 | Quality Management | Design & Manufacturing |
| CE Marking | EN 15129 | Anti-seismic Devices |
| FM Approval | FM 6090 | Seismic Protection |
| ASCE 7-16 | Seismic Design | Design Standards |
| GB 50011 | Chinese Code | Seismic Design |
Testing: Full-scale cyclic testing, fatigue testing, and temperature performance testing available
Installation Guide
| Connection Type | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Pinned End | Pin connection at both ends | Braced frames, bridges |
| Threaded End | Male/Female thread | Space-limited installations |
| Flanged End | Bolted flange connection | Heavy-duty applications |
| Spherical Bearing | Self-aligning connection | Angular displacement allowed |
Installation Requirements
- Ensure mounting surface is flat and level (tolerance ±1mm)
- Allow sufficient space for stroke movement
- Protect from direct exposure to corrosive environments
- Schedule periodic inspection (recommended: annually)
Manufacturing Process
Our viscous fluid dampers are assembled through a 12-step precision manufacturing process — from honed cylinder tubes to silicone oil filling and dynamic testing — ensuring consistent damping performance and long service life.
Cylinder Tube Honing
Seamless steel tubes are precision-honed to achieve mirror-finish inner surfaces (Ra ≤0.2 μm) with tight ID tolerance (H7/H8), ensuring smooth piston movement and reliable sealing.
Piston Rod Machining & Plating
Piston rods are CNC-turned, ground, and hard-chrome plated (0.03–0.05 mm thickness, HV ≥800) to provide wear resistance and corrosion protection; surface roughness polished to Ra 0.2.
Guide Bushing & Seal Manufacturing
Guide bushings are machined from ductile iron or bronze; seal grooves are precisely machined to accommodate O-rings, piston seals, and wiper seals with correct compression ratios.
Piston Assembly & Valve Installation
Pistons are fitted with orifice discs, spring-loaded pressure relief valves, and adjustable damping valves to achieve the required force-velocity characteristics.
Sub-Assembly & Clearance Check
The piston-rod assembly is inserted into the cylinder; radial clearances, runout, and stroke length are measured and verified against design specifications.
Silicone Oil Filling & Degassing
High-viscosity dimethyl silicone oil (5000–100,000 cSt depending on application) is precisely metered into the cylinder under vacuum to eliminate air bubbles that could cause spongy damping.
End Cap Welding / Sealing
End caps (eye or clevis mounting) are welded to the cylinder using MIG/TIG welding or threaded connection with O-ring seals; welds undergo penetration inspection.
Damping Force Bench Testing
Each damper is tested on a servo-hydraulic test rig to verify force-velocity curves, stroke range, and seal integrity across the specified temperature range (-40°C to +80°C).
Pressure & Leak Testing
Assembled dampers undergo 1.5× maximum operating pressure test for endurance; leakage rate is verified over 24-hour static hold to ensure zero oil seepage.
Surface Treatment & Painting
External surfaces are shot-blasted, primed with epoxy zinc-rich primer, and finished with polyurethane topcoat (custom colors available) for UV and corrosion protection.
Final Assembly & Mounting Hardware
Rod ends, spherical bearings, mounting brackets, dust covers, and protective boots are assembled; fasteners are torqued to specification with thread locker.
Performance QC & Packaging
Final functional checks, serial number stamping, certification to EN 15129/ASCE 7-16 for seismic dampers, protective packaging in wooden crates, and shipping with full test reports.
Applications
Where our products deliver proven performance across industries worldwide.
High-Rise Building Comfort & Safety
Viscous dampers suppress wind-induced sway in tall buildings, protecting occupant comfort and cladding while reducing structural demand on the frame.
✓ Velocity-dependent damping
Seismic Retrofit & New Construction
Fluid viscous dampers absorb earthquake energy and reduce inter-story drift, applicable to new towers and seismic retrofit of existing structures.
✓ ASCE 7 / GB 50011 design
Bridge & Viaduct Protection
Dampers between deck and piers limit movement and distribute seismic and braking forces in cable-stayed, suspension, and long-span bridges.
✓ Long-stroke, high-load units
Tuned Mass Damper Systems
Combined viscous dampers + mass systems (TMD/TLD) control resonant response in slender towers, observation decks, and stadium roofs.
✓ Frequency-tuned packages
Industrial & Pipeline Vibration
Process piping, flare lines, and industrial structures use viscous dampers to limit vibration from flow-induced and machinery excitation.
✓ Custom force-stroke curves
Custom Damper Design & Testing
Dampers designed to your structural model — force, stroke, and velocity parameters — with type testing and witness tests available.
✓ Tested to project spec
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a viscous damper and how does it work?＋
A fluid viscous damper dissipates vibrational energy by forcing silicone oil through orifices as the piston moves — producing a force proportional to velocity, independent of displacement.
What force and stroke ranges are available?＋
Typically 30 kN to 3000 kN output force with strokes from 50 mm to 1200 mm; larger on request.
What standards govern damper design and testing?＋
ASCE 7, AASHTO, GB 50011/GB 50981, with type testing per project specification — force-velocity curves verified on calibrated test rigs.
What is the service life and maintenance requirement?＋
Sealed, maintenance-free design with 35–50 year design life; silicone oil and seals selected per project temperature range.
How are dampers tested before delivery?＋
Each damper undergoes force-velocity verification across the design range, plus stroke and leakage checks; type tests and witness testing available.
Can dampers be integrated into my structural analysis model?＋
Yes — we provide the Maxwell/Kelvin model parameters (damping coefficient C, alpha exponent, stiffness K) for your analysis software.
What is the lead time for a damper package?＋
Typically 8–16 weeks including design, fabrication, and testing, depending on quantity and testing scope.
What is the minimum order quantity?＋
From single custom units to full building packages — quoted per project on force/stroke/testing scope.
What documentation is provided?＋
Design calculations, test reports with force-velocity curves, material certificates, and installation drawings.
Do you provide installation supervision?＋
Yes — installation guidance and on-site supervision available for major projects.
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