Emerson Fisher 6010 - User Manual

Alyssa BaileyJul 31, 2025

What to do if the anticipated backpressure is not reached in Emerson Fisher 6010?

S
Scott CarpenterJul 31, 2025
If the anticipated backpressure is not reached in your Emerson Control Unit, review valve conditions and opening percentage. Also, check for process flow changes and/or inspect the unit. Inspect flow passages in the diffuser for blockage, and clean if necessary.

Summary

Introduction to Fisher Diffusers

Scope of Manual

This manual covers operation, installation, and maintenance for Fisher diffusers 6010, 6011, and Whisper Disk.

Product Description

Diffusers reduce control valve noise by providing backpressure for steam, gas, or vapor flow applications.

Principle of Operation

Piping Considerations

Upstream piping should match diffuser inlet; downstream reducers/elbows should be at least 4-5 pipe diameters away.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Servicing Procedures

Diffusers have no serviceable parts. Inspect for weld damage. Cleaning may be required for blockages.

Troubleshooting Guide

Basic troubleshooting guide for issues like backpressure not reached or increased noise/vibration.

The Fisher 6010-6015 and Whisper Disk Diffusers are a series of inline and vent diffusers designed to reduce control valve noise generated by steam, gas, or vapor flow applications. These diffusers provide backpressure for control valves, with inline diffusers placed downstream of the valve (either in or between pipes) and vent diffusers placed downstream of the valve to vent process to the atmosphere. They are custom-designed to match a wide range of valve outlet and/or pipeline sizes, as well as application-specific conditions including temperature, pressure, and flow capacity.

Function Description:

The primary function of these diffusers is noise reduction in gas, vapor, and steam applications by providing backpressure. The flexibility in diffuser types and placement allows for various installation possibilities, and the diffuser is not required to be installed immediately adjacent to the control valve.

6010 Inline Diffuser: This model fits between two different pipe sizes to accommodate both downstream and upstream pipe sizes, featuring an integral outlet head.
6011 Inline Diffuser: A pipe-style inline diffuser that extends into existing pipe using a wafer flange connection.
Whisper Disk Inline Diffuser: A flat plate-style inline diffuser available with a raised-face flanged connection.
6012 and 6013 Drilled-hole Vent Diffusers: Designed to reduce noise during process venting applications. The 6013 includes an outer shell.
6014 and 6015 WhisperFlo Disc Style Vent Diffusers: Also designed for noise reduction in venting applications. The 6015 includes an outer shell.

Important Technical Specifications:

Available Configurations:

6010: Inline diffuser (with integral outlet head)
6011: Inline diffuser (pipe-style)
Whisper Disk: Inline diffuser (flat plate)
6012: Drilled-hole Vent diffuser
6013: Drilled-hole Vent diffuser (with outer shell)
6014: WhisperFlo disc style
6015: WhisperFlo disc style (with outer shell)

Sizes:

6010: NPS 1 x 3 to NPS 26 x 48 (inlet x outlet)
6011: NPS 2 to NPS 30
Whisper Disk: NPS 2 to NPS 24
6012: NPS 2 to NPS 26
6013: NPS 2 to NPS 26 (outer shell NPS 4 to 36)
6014 & 6015: Sizes are available to meet specific application requirements (refer to bulletin 80.3:6014).

End Connections:

6010: Any combination of flanged (raised-face, ring-type joint, and flat-face) or welded end (buttweld or socket weld).
6011: Wafer flanged.
Whisper Disk: Raised-face or ring-type joint flanged.
6012 and 6013: Raised-face flanged, ring-type joint flanged, or buttweld end.
6014 and 6015: Raised-face flanged, ring-type joint flanged, or buttweld end.

Note: Inline and vent diffusers are not hydrostatically tested.

Usage Features:

Piping Considerations:

Upstream piping should match the nominal diameter of the diffuser inlet connection.
The drilled hole pattern of the Whisper Disk inline diffuser must fit within the inside diameter of the mating flange schedule.
Reducers or elbows are not recommended downstream unless they are at least four to five downstream pipe diameters from the diffuser outlet.
For 6012, 6013, 6014, and 6015 vent diffuser applications, diffusers should not be installed in close proximity to support structures, and adjacent diffusers should be installed at different heights to avoid flow interaction and reduce noise.

Installation:

Prior to installation, all piping leading to the diffuser must be thoroughly cleaned to remove particles, welding beads, dirt, or other foreign matter.
The inside of the diffuser should be inspected and cleaned if necessary.
A lifting sling should be used to safely place the diffuser into its mounting position.
Flanged Connections: For high-temperature applications, flange connection bolts should be greased with a high-temperature thread lubricant. Flange gaskets and connection bolts should be installed according to accepted practices and tightened securely. Bolts should be re-tightened after the diffuser has been pressurized.
Welded Connections: Welding procedures must comply with applicable codes and base materials. Preheat, welding electrodes, and post-weld heat treatment should follow standard applicable codes and practices. Material specifications are provided on the diffuser specification sheet.
The 6013 and 6015 diffusers with an outer shell are equipped with mounting brackets to support wind and side loads, ensuring the entire weight of the diffuser is not solely on the inlet connection. The end-user is responsible for providing the necessary support structure to interface with these brackets.
It is crucial not to expose the diffuser to undue stresses by installing it in bent pipes or bent flanges.

Maintenance Features:

Servicing:

The diffusers have no serviceable parts.
Routine maintenance intervals should include inspecting the diffuser for damaged or cracked welds (excluding the Whisper Disk diffuser).
The diffuser is typically welded or bolted in line and is not removed unless cleaning or replacement due to damage or wear is necessary.
If the diffuser is not performing as expected, a bore scope can be used to examine flow passages for blockages without disassembly.
If blockages are present, cleaning can be performed by removing the unit (by cutting welds or removing bolts) and using a pressurized water stream. If blockages persist after cleaning, the unit must be replaced.

Troubleshooting Guide (Basic First Line):

Anticipated backpressure is not reached: Review valve conditions and opening percentage; check for process flow changes and/or inspect the unit; inspect flow passages for blockage and clean if necessary.
System noise and vibration have suddenly increased above previous levels: Review operating history for process flow changes; inspect the unit.

Parts Ordering:

There are no serviceable spare parts for these units.
Each diffuser is assigned a serial number, which should be referenced when contacting the Emerson Process Management sales office for technical assistance.
WARNING: Only genuine Fisher replacement parts supplied by Emerson Process Management should be used. Using non-genuine parts may void the warranty, adversely affect performance, and could cause personal injury and property damage.