image_not_found

Pipe Surge and Water Hammer Apparatus (SMT-FM-27)

The purpose of this experimental unit is to demonstrate the phenomena of pipe surge and water hammer that occur due to sudden changes in flow rate within pipes. It helps learners understand the transient effects in hydraulic systems and the resulting pressure variations that can affect pipeline design and operation.

The design of the apparatus includes two dedicated test pipes, one for pipe surge studies and the other for water hammer investigations. A reservoir tank supplies water to both test sections. The water hammer effect is generated by the rapid closure of a fast-acting valve, with pressure changes and oscillations recorded by two pressure sensors placed along the pipe. These signals are displayed in software as a pressure curve for clear analysis. For surge experiments, a ball valve downstream of the surge pipe is quickly closed, and the resulting pressure oscillations are captured by a sensor located behind the surge chamber, with results also displayed through the software.

This unit finds application in hydraulics and fluid mechanics laboratories where it provides practical understanding of unsteady flow behavior. It benefits students and engineers by illustrating the causes and effects of surge and water hammer, highlighting their importance in water supply systems, pumping stations, and industrial pipeline networks, and supporting the development of strategies for safe and efficient hydraulic system design.

Pipes for surge oscillations:
  • Stainless steel pipe
  • Length = 5900mm, πœƒ π‘–π‘›π‘›π‘’π‘Ÿ = 26π‘šπ‘š
  • Transparent surge chamber, height: 830mm, πœƒ π‘–π‘›π‘›π‘’π‘Ÿ = 40π‘šπ‘š
  • One pressure sensor
  • One ball valve
Pipes for water hammer:
  • Stainless steel pipe
  • Length = 5900mm, πœƒ π‘–π‘›π‘›π‘’π‘Ÿ = 26π‘šπ‘š
  • One fast acting vale
  • Two pressure sensors
  • Distance between sensors: 3000mm
Storage tank:
  • Stainless steel tank
  • Capacity: 55 Liters
  • Demonstrating and analysis of water hammer in pipes.
  • Understanding how a surge chamber works.
  • Demonstration of pressure profiles.
  • Surge chamber designed as transparent tank.
  • Working of surge chamber.
  • Stainless steel pipes.
  • One pipe with ball valve and surge chamber.
  • One pipe with fast acting valve for producing water hammer effect.
  • One pressure sensor for measuring surge chamber pressure wave.
  • Two pressure sensors for measuring water hammer.
  • Volumetric flow measurement and closed-circuit water supply via Hydraulic Bench (optional).