Evaluating the use of surge protection devices for water hammer

Step-by-step guide

When performing transient analyses in InfoSurge, results may be unacceptable due to water pressure that is too high or too low.

In these cases, evaluate whether the use of surge protection devices is required to control water hammer.

There are a few main design considerations generally used to mitigate transient conditions.

1. First, determine whether a transient can be modified—for example, by slowing down the closing of a valve or a pump startup to lessen the impact of a surge.
2. If modification is possible, re-run the analysis.

If directly modifying transients fails to return more favorable results:

3. Consider modifying the distribution system, which may involve changing the layout of the system by turning dead ends into loops, or by adjusting the location or characteristics of critical system elements.
4. Again, re-run the analysis.

If modifying the transient and the system fails to return more favorable results:

5. Consider implementing a surge protection device.

Surge protection devices include side discharge orifices, surge tanks, rupture disks, and pressure relief valves.

For more detailed information about the different types of surge protection devices utilized by InfoSurge, visit the InfoSurge help pages on the Autodesk website.