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Water hammer or hydraulic shock occurs in industrial piping systems when liquid that is flowing quickly is abruptly stopped or redirected. Water hammer happens during an instantaneous change in flowing and presents as a very high-pressure spike that rushes through the pipeline, has an audible sound, and can damage components such as pipes, valves, pumps, and instruments. More specifically, fast-acting valve operation (ball, butterfly and plug) caused primarily by the speed of operation.
Water hammer presents many risks such as pipe rupture, valve failure, pump failure and equipment malfunctioning. For example, in systems carrying hazardous fluids, water hammer can have leaks and possible safety incidents introduced as well as. To lessen the chance of water hammer happening or mechanics of water hammer, begin by controlling the first valve in the circuit if you may end up with water hammer issues is a gate and globe valves that has slow-closing functions. The slower closure of these valve types allows fluid to decelerate before colliding with an endpoint. The fast acting valves should be controlled by a slow-closing actuator and controlled operating strategies will slow the change in fluid flow velocity. Damping devices can be used where needed, ie. water hammer arrestors, surge tanks, and pressure release valves can absorb and/or vent excess pressure either from significant excess pressure or emergency routes.
Another important operational preventative measure is to create the system design appropriately. it is important to keep the flow velocities within recommended limits, pipe that is appropriately rated for pressure and pipe supports that are properly rated against vibration. Consider adding soft-start / soft-stop mechanisms that limit high velocities and changes in velocities to pumps. In pipelines, it is a good idea to place automatic air valves at high points of a pipeline to combat a negative pressure environment while relieving sudden changes in pressure at the discharge of a pump at the initial shut down of the pump.
Aside from the previous measures considered, operator training and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures will help prevent the indiscretion of the reckless operation of valves. In conclusion, with judicious usage of the proper valves with controlled operations, dampening devices, and operator awareness it is possible to eliminate and reduce the risk potential associated with water hammer, ultimately promoting the safe and efficient operation of industrial systems.
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