KJC 510 WATER AND WASTE WATER LABORATORY

LAB 12 & 13 WATER HAMMER & DRAGS ON AEROFOIL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction Objective Apparatus Methodology Application Results Conclusion Reference

WATER HAMMER

Introduction

Water hammer is a term used to describe the phenomenon of pressure transient due to sudden changes in flow in a pipe flowing full. The transient flow occurring in a pipeline can generate extremely high that can be very damaging to the pipe. This condition can arise due to the sudden acceleration or retardation of the flow as a result of valve opening or closure, pump and turbine operations (starting and stopping), pipe rupture or break, cavitations, or sudden flow demand such as an automatic fire protection system. The mechanical failure of a valve (from old age) can also lead to fluid transient. The most typical case of water hammer is that of a rapid closure of a valve. When this happens, there is a sudden retardation of the fluid in contact with the valve. As a result, pressure increase is experienced and a pressure wave is generated which will be propagated at a very high velocity. The velocity of this pressure wave is sometimes called the celerity. For pipes discharging water, this velocity has a value of around 1430 m/s. This is also equal to the velocity of propagation of sound in water and is called the sonic velocity.

Analysis of hydraulic transient can be carried out, by either taking into account or ignoring the elasticity of the pipe material. The former is called Rigid Pipe theory while the latter is called the Elastic Pipe theory. Hydraulic transient or surge can be of two types. In the first type, oscillation of the whole mass of water occurs at velocities that are a lot slower than the velocity of sound. In the second type, which is called water hammer, the pressure changes occur at velocities of the same magnitude as the speed of sound. The former type is related to mass oscillation occurring in hydroelectric power stations while the latter is common in water distribution systems.

Objective To investigate the surge wave in a pipeline resulting from sudden closure of a valve downstream. To compare the effect of pressure damping devices, such as surge tanks or called pipelines.

Methodology

1. Measures the normal pressure reading at a designated downstream point (pressure sensor P3) along a pipeline under steady state condition.

2. Compress the change of pressure at the same point (P3) due to sudden closure of valve (valve V3) downstream.

3. Investigate the reduction of pressure at the same point (P3) due to sudden closure of valve V3, using the damping device of a vertical standing pipe and coiled pipeline respectively. 4. Observed the surging wave pressure in a pipe segment between two points where the pressure gauge and sensors P2 and P3 are located, and the damping effect produced by a coiled pipeline.

Application

Water hammer is a pressure shock wave induced in plumbing supply caused by the sudden change in the steady state condition of non compressible liquid. Two types of water hammer can occur in steam systems: 1. Accumulation of condensate (water) Caused by ripples in the water The water trapped in a portion of horizontal steam piping. Turbulence builds up until the water forms a solid mass, or slug, filling the pipe. Force can be great enough to break the back of the elbow.

2. Cavitations Caused by a steam bubble forming or being pushed into a pipe completely filled with water. Trapped with bubble loses its latent heat Can crush float balls and destroy thermostatic elements in stream traps.

Water hammer arrester 1. An alternative to the air chamber is a water hammer arrester. 2. Arresters are specifically designed to control water hammer. 3. Absorb these surges so they dont damage parts of the water piping system. 4. When the plumbing system is installed place water hammer arresters upstream from all quick shutting valves and faucets.

Conclusion

1. Water hammer is caused by sudden acceleration and retardation.

2. It caused by the result of valve opening, pump and turbine operation, pipe rupture, cavitations or sudden flow. 3. In water hammer, pressure of water is increased and pressure wave is generated that will be propagated at very high velocity. 4. The pipes will make a sound because water hammer and its called as sonic velocity. 5. To push the air out we need to temporarily increase the water velocity to the point the water sweeps out the air bubbles. 6. That creates a high water demand and the water velocity goes way up, as the water rushes through the pipe trapped air is swept along with it and out of the pipe.