A comparison of a pressure vessel and flywheel for surge mitigation in a long pipeline system

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to identify appropriate mitigation measures required to overcome water hammer related issues associated with an upgrade to a potable water pipeline system. Modelling indicated that column separation would occur over a 14 km section (out of a total length of 34 km) of pipeline downstream of the first pumping station as a result of pump failure. Two viable options were identified to mitigate the column separation: [1] a pressure vessel directly downstream of the pump station and [2] a fly wheel installed at the pump station. A flywheel would not be expected to provide effective mitigation to prevent column separation in such a long system. However, in this case the pipeline profile is such that a flywheel affords a very effective water hammer control solution. A parametric study has been carried out on pumping systems of various profile shapes and different lengths to assess the effectiveness of a flywheel for water hammer protection. © BHR Group 2008.