Water hammer phenomenon in pumping stations: A stability investigation based on root locus

Abstract

In this article, a numerical model based on site theory is developed to study the stability of a pipeline system consisting of a valve, pipe, and surge tank. In the study, four parameters were studied to see how they impact the water hammer phenomenon. They are the pressure in the pipelines, the velocity of the flow, diameter of the conduit carrying liquid, and the liquid’s density. The equations are programmed, analyzed, and graphed using MATLAB. The stability analysis shows that the force of the water hammer is significant at low frequencies and for large diameters. The high frequency of a particular pipe is affected by the type of material the pipe is made from, the method of installation, and the friction coefficient of the inner surface. High frequencies reduce the impact of water hammer forces. Among the main parameters listed, it is found that the oscillations of liquids of low density are higher in the case of water hammers.

Keywords

• water hammer
• hydraulic transient
• sudden closing of the valves
• pipe conveying fluid