Importance of Surge Vessels and their role in water hammer protection

The purpose of the Surge Vessels design is to provide exceptional protection against the effects of water hammer in various piping systems. This advanced vessel uses compressed air to manage pressure surges, ensuring system stability and preventing potential damage without the need for an internal bladder.

The efficiency of the vessel is based on the precise calculation of the precharge pressure. By maintaining precise precharge levels, the vessel effectively absorbs and dissipates pressure surges, protecting the system from the damaging effects of water hammer.

The mechanism of operation of the Surge Vessels for water hammer protection

In this design, compressed air interacts directly with the water inside the vessel, eliminating the need for a diaphragm or bladder. This direct contact allows for immediate response to pressure changes, enhancing the system’s ability to manage sudden surges. Once activated, the surge vessel operates automatically, responding to pressure fluctuations by depressurizing as needed and refilling as the system stabilizes. The robust construction of the vessel, typically made of high-quality materials, ensures durability and longevity, even under high-pressure conditions.

This pressure vessel is ideal for applications that require reliable and effective protection against water hammers. The design ensures minimal maintenance while providing maximum protection, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term use.

With a commitment to quality and innovation, CareWater Surge Vessels provide a reliable and effective means of protecting your piping systems from the effects of water hammer.

What is a water hammer?

Water hammer is a phenomenon that can occur in any piping system where valves are used to control the flow of media. When valves are closed or a pump is suddenly stopped, water can create a pressure wave. This wave bounces off the closed port and travels back into the pipe. This phenomenon is exacerbated when the frequency of the transient pulse resonates with the pipe or from standing waves already present in the system, which can build up to the point where they can cause significant damage.

Here you will find more about the dangers of water hammer

Causes of water hammer

There are many causes of water hammer, which are explained in the following video. Understanding these causes is the ability to understand the importance of pressure vessels such as surge vessels.

Loose Pipes

If the pipes are not properly secured, or perhaps become completely loose, shock waves within the pipes are likely to be exacerbated by the physical impact of the pipe itself. Pipes should be securely fastened to sturdy materials, to ensure they will last for years to come. Be sure to check under floorboards and in cabinets. Although these pipes may be out of sight, they still require attention!

Worn Stop Valves

Stop valves can cause water hammer if their gland seal is loose. Stop valves will almost always be open at the time of the water hammer, which means that shock waves have the potential to hit the valve handle and valve breaker.

Trapped Air

Water hammer can usually be caused by air trapped within the system. Air can find its way into your piping system if empty pipes are filled too quickly. To reduce the risk of air building up in the system, be sure to fill the pipes slowly to allow the air to escape. Alternatively, air relief valves can be used to allow the trapped air to escape. These valves are placed at high points within the system.

Float Ball Valves

A water hammer can be caused by ripples within an open water tank where a float ball valve is used to control the flow of water in/out. As water flows into the sealed tank, the float valve can vibrate up and down, opening and closing the valve. This movement can create a pressure wave that reverberates through the pipes, creating a hammering sound. As plastic tanks become more flexed, metal plates can be used to add rigidity to their structure to dampen this effect.

Quick Shut Off Valves

Another common cause of water hammer is quick shut-off valves. Instantaneously operated valves, such as electronically operated solenoid valves, stop the water immediately, causing shock waves of water to bounce back up the pipes.

Water Hammer Effects

While it may seem harmless, ignoring the water hammer can eventually lead to serious damage to your plumbing system. The long-term effects of water hammer can manifest themselves in the following ways:

• Leaks: Water hammer can damage joints, fittings, and connections, resulting in weak seals and eventually leaking pipes.
• Ruptured pipes: Repairing ruptured pipes due to pressure buildup can be particularly expensive. Due to the nature of the repair, it often requires a major replacement.
• Property damage: If leaks go unnoticed, they can potentially damage surrounding electrical equipment and/or corrode infrastructure. Think electrical cables, rotted support beams, and/or foundations.
• Downtime: If significant damage occurs to the system, the financial cost of downtime for the system or the entire building (if commercial) should be considered.

How to Stop/Prevent Water Hammer

Secure and Wrap Loose Pipes

Make sure all pipes are properly secured to their surroundings using strong, durable fasteners. Pipe straps can be added for additional support, but be careful when choosing materials. Some metals can chemically react with each other and corrode, leading to poor installation in the future. Some other metals, if heat is involved, may expand at different rates, resulting in poor installation.

Air Relief Valve Installation

Air relief valves, placed at high points throughout the piping system, allow trapped air to escape. In scenarios where the system is spread across a large flat area, air relief valves should be placed early in the system, mid-system, and around pumps.

Install air chambers

Air chambers are also an effective solution to water hammers. These systems consist of a short section of pipe with an empty/filled air chamber that acts to dampen shock waves. This reduces the volume of shock waves below the valve. It is worth noting that these air chambers must be drained of water every few months to ensure they continue to function effectively.

Install surge vessels

Water hammer arrestors work similarly to air chambers. However, instead of a vertical pipe that absorbs pressure, water hammer arrestors use a combination of parts to absorb the movement of water and reduce shock waves below the quick-closing valves. Although more expensive. The water hammer arrestors do not require any ongoing maintenance (unlike air chambers). Therefore an effective long-term solution to water hammer arrestors.

They are replaceable pre-set pneumatic hydraulic tanks according to ASME standards for commercial, industrial, municipal, and well water systems. To effectively control water hammer shock, and the rise in water pressure when the pump starts/falls. They are important assets in the water treatment process. Although improper maintenance and management can result in pipeline and water industry costs of millions of dollars each year, causing burst pipes, structural damage, negative pressures, and massive water waste.