Print this pageAir Vessels (Surge Vessels)
Air vessels are one of the most common and best-understood forms of surge suppression in the water industry.
Normally located downstream of pump stations, air vessels can reduce the severity of both high and low surge pressures. They are especially common on clean water schemes where they are used to prevent subatmospheric pressures and the consequent risk of contamination.
Booster pump stations frequently use vessels on the suction to control surge pressures on the suction lines as well.
Once air vessels are installed it is normally necessary to install fast acting non-return valves and these can also be specified during our studies.
Surge studies are needed to provide the manufacturers with sizes and specifications. Often this is needed at bid stage, but most frequently the accurate specification and size is needed during detailed design.
Our surge studies identify the worst case for sizing the vessels and we then provide the information needed by the manufacturers to specify, cost and construct the vessels. We can work closely with the manufacturer to optimise the size, control the dimensions and specify any fast acting non-return valves.
Old, legacy vessels need to be re-studied when the duty flowrate changes or when pumps are replaced. Even small changes to the system can sometimes invalidate the performance of the vessel, so it is always vital to undertake a surge study to assess and confirm the ongoing integrity of the system.
