Rationing the Pressurized Air-Vessel Volume for Water Hammer Protection in Water Pipe Systems

Air vessel is one of the efficient devices for controlling and protecting the piping system against transient problems as water hammer phenomenon. Old studies illustrated the air vessel importance and its working methodology. In order to maximize the performance and minimize the hazardous problems of such system, protection devices (such as air vessel) cost is one of the considerations in the design process. Therefore, its characteristics are highly important for efficient operation with less expensive safety system. This research paper presents a numerical modelling work to investigate the effect of the Air Vessel parameters, such as (1) dimensions (diameter, D, height, H), (2) the connection equivalent resistance, hlc, between the vessel and the main pipeline and (3) initial state parameter (initial air volume, Vai). Those parameters affects the vessel total volume (Vt) and operation as well as the safety system. A pump station is simulated as a case study using Wanda model. The results showed that the specifications change in vessel height, H, connection equivalent resistance, hlc, with main pipe and initial air volume, Vai, have a great impact on the system protection against transient problems when using the air vessel