Surge Analysis

Surge pressures (often called Waterhammer) occur whenever the flowrate within a pipeline system changes. The pressure that occur often exceed the pressure rating of the system and stress the pipe supports.

The magnitude of these surge pressures is proportional to the velocity change that occurs and the properties of the fluid and pipe (namely the compressibility of the fluid an the expandability of the pipe).

Although most engineers are introduced to surge pressures by the Joukowsky or Allievi equation, it is virtually impossible to accurately (or conservatively) study pressure surges by using such a simple equation. Instead, specialist surge analysis programs are used. These programs need extensive validation and testing before use and due to the specialist experience needed, we still believe that the full power of surge analysis is released only by experienced engineers.

Surge analysis is used on virtually every pipe system from long oil pipelines, to short rising mains and process plant piping. The studies examine the consequences of startup, shutdown valve closure and pump operations.

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