Citation: Shaimaa Abduo et al., (2014).
A Simplified Approach for Water
Scientific Journal of October 6 University Hammer Analysis. Sci.J. of Oct. 6 Univ.2 (2), 213-220
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Research Article
A Simplified Approach for Water Hammer Analysis
*Shaimaa Abduo, M. Abdel Razik, M. Fergala, and S. Elagroudy
Sanitary and Environment Engineering Section, Public Works Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams
University
Received: 14-03-2014/ Revised: 07-04-2014 / Accepted: 30-04-2014/ published: 01-06-2014
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to provide a practical and simplified approach for the analysis of water hammer
phenomenon, develop the pressure transient envelops produced due to water hammer, asses the need for
protection, and determine the size of protection device. A typical water supply system consisting of a pump and
long transmission pipeline delivering to a terminal reservoir is proposed. About 500 runs are simulated on
Bentley Hammer software to cover wide variation of physical and hydraulic parameters. The results of
simulation are used to develop a model for the pressure envelops along the pipeline profile and another model for
sizing of the protection device needed to reduce the impact of water hammer.
Keywords: Transient Pressures, Water Hammer, Surge Protection Devices, Simplified Approach.
Introduction simulate water hammer events include method of
characteristic (Wylie and Streeter, 1993) (4), the
Water hammer prediction used to carry out finite volume Method (Zhao and Ghidaoui, 2004)
graphically (Allievi, 1925) (1). The graphical (5), the finite element method (Kochupillail et al.,
method is very complex and not accurate. Angus 2005) (6), Wavelet-Galerkin (Sattar et al., 2009) (7),
and Parmakian, (1963) (2) and Wood & Jones, the fluid structure interaction, and so on. Among
(1973) (3), refined the graphical calculation method. those methods, the method of characteristic (MOC)
Numerical methods implemented in computer codes is the most popular one. Afshar and Rohani, (2008)
addressed this problem. The development of (8), developed a different MOC procedure. Some
computer technologies made the numerical method research indicates that MOC fits experimental data
of water hammer simulation in complex pipe [Link] et al., (2005) (9) investigated eleven
networks become easier. In recent years, numerical available water hammer commercial software
methods are widely used in water hammer packages, and found that in eight of them MOC was
phenomenon study and almost replaced the applied.
graphical method. The main numerical methods to
Joukowsky developed an equation in 1898to power failure. Joukowsky´s Equation is shown in
calculate pressure drop or rise due to sudden pump equation (1):
*Corresponding Author Address: Shaimaa Abduo, Public Works Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University
Shaimaa Abduo et al., Sci. Journal of Oct. 6 Univ. 2014; 2(2): 213-220
(1)
Where, ΔH1; is the change of surge pressure, ΔV; is that can be applied only at preliminary design stage
the change of water velocity in the pipeline, a; is the due to their simplifying assumptions (e.g.
wave speed, and g; is the gravitational acceleration neglecting frictional losses), selection and range of
line with instantaneous failure. Joukowsky´s parameters, limited accuracy of solutions and lack
equation is based on some assumptions such as the of completeness. Martino et al., (2004) (14) reported
occurrence of hammering is instantaneous, the that Evangelisti in 1938 developed graphs that aid
pipeline properties are uniform, and the pipe is in the sizing of air vessels, using incompressible
rigid. During transient, pressure and velocity in flow theory neglecting pipe friction and assuming
pipes change with distance and time where they adiabatic expansion of air (n=1.41).
follow the laws for conservation of mass and
conservation of momentum given in Equation (2, 3) Evangelisti´s Equations allow for analytical solution
respectively. (10) if pipe friction is neglected and introduced a
dimensionless constant (ratio of steady state head
( ) ( ) (2) loss to absolute steady state pressure) for use in
numerical integration procedures for solution when
| | pipe friction was considered. These graphs
( ) ( ) (3)
demonstrated the favorable role of pipe friction loss
in attenuating over pressure oscillations El-
Where ∂P/ ∂t; is the change of surge pressure with Bahrawy, (2004) (15) presented a simplified
time during transient, ∂v/ ∂t; is the change of flow description of water hammer, its effects, control
velocity with time during transient, ∂P/ ∂x; is the devices and equations. He also presented a spread
change of surge pressure with the distance in the sheet for teaching transient flow in pipes. Fleming
and Gullick, (2005) (16) developed surge models
pipeline, ∂v/ ∂x; is the change of flow velocity
for five distribution networks and used it to identify
with the distance in the pipeline ,v; is the fluid flow
the locations within the distribution systems where
velocity, ; is the mass density of the fluid, a; is
low or negative pressures were most likely to occur.
the wave speed, g; is the gravitational acceleration
Durand et al., (2006) (17) developed a simplified
line, D; is the conduit diameter of pipeline, ; angle
analysis of water hammer. The analysis calculates
the conduit makes with the horizontal, and f; is the
four main parameters of water hammer; velocity of
friction factor. The main concept behind of MOC is
the pressure wave celerity, critical time, maximum
the transformation of partial differential equations
head developed in the maximum pressure time and
(2, 3) into ordinary differential equations and these
minimum head developed in the critical time. Gao
equations are shown concisely in equation (4,5).
et al., (2012) (18) investigated cases studies of three
(10)
kinds of hammer protecting devices which are two-
Qp= Cp – Ca Hp (4) phase control valve, one-way surge tank and
hydropneumatic tank. According to the simulation
Qp= Cn – Ca HpC+ (5) results, the effective protecting scheme of water
hammer is through hydropneumatic tank to reduce
Where, QP; and HP; are the discharge and head at
the surge damage combined with the application of
point P respectively, (CP, Cn ,Ca) are constants
the air valve. Himr, (2013) (19) simulated unsteady
dependent upon pipe properties, initial condition
flow during water hammer using Matlab-Simulink-
and time interval. Thorley and Lastowiecki, (1985)
SimHydraulics and HYDRA. Simulation results
(11) presented the first computer based iterative
proved in very good agreement with experimental
procedure for sizing air vessels for pipeline systems.
measurements. Oulhaj et al., (2013) (20) presented
Stephenson, (2002) (12) showed the effect of using
the influence of using the protection devices to
air vessels in protecting the distribution system
control the adverse effects due to excessive and low
against negative pressures during water hammer,
pressure occurs in the transient. Pato and
and reported that air vessels can maintaina positive
Navarro,(2014) (21) presented a reformulation of
pressure in the line at all stages following pump
the mathematical model developed by Preissmann,
trip. Di Santo et al., (2002) (13) developed design
1964 for the estimation of pressure values in
charts for air vessel sizing for pump trip scenario
412
Shaimaa Abduo et al., Sci. Journal of Oct. 6 Univ. 2014; 2(2): 213-220
transitory situations between both shallow and Materials and Methods
pressurized flows by adapting it to abrupt transient
situations. The objective of this paper is to provide a Atypical water supply system consisting of a pump
practical and simplified approach for the analysis of and long transmission pipeline delivering to
water hammer phenomenon, develop the pressure terminal reservoir is used for the analysis. Figure (1)
transient envelops produced due to water hammer, shows the water supply system, pipe profile, initial
asses the need for protection and determine the size and final steady state hydraulic grade, maximum
of the gas volume in the air vessel. Bentley Hammer and minimum transient head with and without
V8I software, which adapts the MOC is used for protection.
transient analysis.
Figure (1): Typical Pressure Envelops With and Without Protection
To conduct the aforementioned objectives of research, about 500 simulation runsare applied on Bentley Hammer
to the water supply system covering a wide range of physical and hydraulic parameters as presented in Table (1).
Table (1): Variation of the Physical and Hydraulic Parameters
Parameters Range
Diameter (D) (mm) 300 to 1200
Velocity (V) (m/s) 0.5 to 2.5
Wave Speed(a) (m/s) 300 to 1500
Demand and Pump Head (H) Depend on the velocity and diameter
Pipe length (L) (m) Long pipeline (30 km)
The analysis is undertaken in three steps:
412
Shaimaa Abduo et al., Sci. Journal of Oct. 6 Univ. 2014; 2(2): 213-220
Step 1 - Evaluate the impact of water hammer Results and Discussion
pressure, presented by calculating the pressure drop
(ΔH1) as a result of water hammer. Step 1- Pressure Drop at the pump station
Comparison between the calculated pressure drop
Step 2 - Develop a relation for the pressure (ΔH1) due to pump power failure by Joukowsky´s
envelops which upon plotting against pipe profile, Equation and the resulting pressure drop by
the need for water hammer protection can be Bentley HAMMER softwareis presented in Figures
assessment. 2 (a to d) for diameters 300, 600, 900 and 1200 mm
respectively. The velocity ranged from 0.5 to 2.5
Step 3 - Develop a relation for the size of water m/s and wave speed from 300 to 1500 m/s. The
hammer protection device. values of wave speed were used to represent a rigid
pipe and an elastic pipe. The coefficient of
determination (R2) is used for model assessment.
412
Shaimaa Abduo et al., Sci. Journal of Oct. 6 Univ. 2014; 2(2): 213-220
Joukowsky´s Equation is validated by Finally Joukowsky´s Equation can be expressed
comparing the results of calculated pressure the transient behavior for simple system.
drop (ΔH1) and those resulting from Bentley Step 2 - Pressure envelops
Hammer software,it is noted that To assess the need for a protection strategy, it
Joukowsky´sEquation can be expressed the is important to calculate the pressure envelops
pressure drop with high agreement. the pressure and plot it over the pipe profile. A new
dropvalues are in close proximity with empirical formula is developed for determining
(R2>0.95) at flow velocity of less than 2.0 m/s, the pressure envelops along the pipeline as
while the results for the velocity higher than 2 shown in Equation (6).
m/s is slightly close with (R2>0.89).
* ( )+ (6)
Where, ΔH; Pressure drop along the pipe line pipe (m). Figure (3) shows pressure envelops
(m), ΔH1; Pressure drop at the pump (m) without protection for diameter of 600 mm and
(calculated by Joukowsky´s Equation), X; wave speed (a) of 900 m/s.
Distance interval (m), and L; Length of the
Initial Steady State
Min. Pressure Envelope
2
R = 0.91
Profile
Figure 3: Pressure Envelops without Protection
The developed formula in Equation (6) is assessment of the need for a protection device
validated by comparing the results of the by plotting the pipe profile against the pressure
pressure with those calculated by Bentley envelopes.
Hammer, it is noted that the developed Step 3 - Sizing the Protection Device
Equation can be expressed the pressure In piping system, various control procedures
envelopes with high agreement. The maximum are used to reduce or eliminate undesirable
and minimum pressure values are in close transients, such as excessive pressure rise or
proximity with R2 (0.82 and 0.91)respectively. drop. In this study, the air vessel is suitable for
Therefore, the developed empirical formula controlling transients generated by power
Equation (6) proved to be a good failure of the pumps. A new formula is
approximation for calculating the maximum developed for determining the size of gas
and minimum pressure envelops and volume as presented in Equation (7).
(7) Applying Equation (7) on the proposed water
Where,V; Gas volume in the hydropneumatic system, the gas volume in the air vessel for the
3
tank (m ), D; Pipe diameter (m), H; Required system is 7 m3 approximately to reduce the
reduction of the pressure drop to eliminate pressure drop 21 m approximately.
water hammer effect (m).
412
Shaimaa Abduo et al., Sci. Journal of Oct. 6 Univ. 2014; 2(2): 213-220
Initial Steady State
Min. Pressure Envelope
2
R = 0.72
Figure (4): Pressure Envelops with Protection
As shown in figure 4, it is noted that the calculated to be a good approximation for sizing the gas
gas volume calculated by Equation (7) eliminates volume.
the pressure transient impact. The developed To assess the impact of pipe diameters on the gas
formula in Equation (7) is validated by comparing volume, About 80 simulation runsare applied on
the results of the pressure with those calculated by Bentley Hammer software to the water supply
Bentley Hammer, it is noted that the developed system covering the impact of various pipe
Equation can be expressed the pressure envelopes diameters of 300, 600, 900 and 1200 mm
with protection with high agreement in calculating respectively on the gas volume Figure 5 (a to d)
the downsurge pressure while upsurge pressure is compare the values of pressure drop calculated
underestimation. The maximum and minimum using Bentley water Hammer and those calculated
pressure values are in close proximity with R2 from Equation (7) for pipe diameters of 300, 600,
(0.72 and 0.32)respectively. Therefore, the 900 and 1200 mm; respectively.
developed empirical formula Equation (7) proved
412
Shaimaa Abduo et al., Sci. Journal of Oct. 6 Univ. 2014; 2(2): 213-220
100
6 Data
Gas Volume (V) - (m3)
Data
Gas Volume (V) - (m3) 5 Model 80 Model
4 60
3
40
2 R2= 0.64
20
1 R2= 0.57
0 0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 0 20 40 60 80
H Reduction -(m) H Reduction - (m)
a - (D =300 mm) b - (D = 600 mm)
120 250
Data Data
100 Model Model
Gas Volume (V) - m3
Gas Volume (V) - m3
200
80 R2= 0.96 150
60
100
40
50
20 R2= 0.82
0 0
0 10 20 30 40 0 5 10 15 20
H Reduction - (m) H Reduction - (m)
c - (D = 900 mm) d - (D = 1200 mm)
Figure (5): Gas Volume Required to Achieve Pressure Drop Reduction by Bentley Hammer and
the Developed Equation
By comparing the results of the pressure drop water hammer system, the approach can be
reduction (H) with those calculated by Bentley drawn as follows:
Hammer, it is noted that the developed
Equation (7) can be expressed with high The direct relationship which known with
agreement with (R2) ranges from 0.96 to 0.57 Joukowsky´s equation is valid to approximately
for the diameters ranges of 300 to 1200 mm estimate the pressure drop at the pump.
respectively, and also noted that the developed A new empirical formula is developed to
formula can be expressed with high agreement calculate the maximum and minimum pressure
for calculating the gas volume. envelops along the pipeline and to assess the
Conclusion needing of protection.
A simplified approach for the analysis of water A new empirical model is developed to size the
hammer phenomenon has been developed the gas volume in the air vessel. As such the
pressure transient envelops, asses the need for developed simplified approach for calculating
protection, and determine the size of the gas water hammer can be summarized in Figure
volume in the air vessel. After analyzing the (6).
412
Shaimaa Abduo et al., Sci. Journal of Oct. 6 Univ. 2014; 2(2): 213-220
Figure 6: Flow Chart of the Simplified Approach for Calculating Water Hammer
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