AdminWhen water moves through plumbing systems, industrial equipment, and other circuits, it’s under a great deal of pressure. That pressure is necessary; without it, water wouldn’t flow through systems the way it should. Still, it can sometimes cause unexpected problems, especially when it undergoes sudden changes. One of the most common of those issues is water hammer.
On the surface, water hammer may seem like a minor problem. It often causes banging in pipes, which many people think is little more than an annoyance. There’s much more going on behind the scenes than people tend to realize, though. Water hammer can actually be extremely disruptive and destructive. Read on to learn more about the issue, the hidden threats it can cause for equipment and operations, and how to fix water hammer.
What Is Water Hammer?
First, let’s delve into what water hammer is. As alluded to, water hammer happens when fluid moving through pipes is suddenly forced to stop or change direction. That sudden change essentially creates a shock wave that travels back through the affected pipe system. It causes a loud banging, shaking or vibration in the pipes.
Water hammer can happen for several reasons. One of the most common is closing valves too quickly. Pumps suddenly starting or stopping and air pockets getting trapped in pipes can cause it as well. This often happens in residential plumbing systems, but it’s also common in industrial systems. Those systems tend to be larger, more complex, and under more pressure than conventional ones, so the effects of water hammer can be significantly more serious.
How Water Hammer Damages Equipment
When water hammer happens, it can place considerable stress on pipes and equipment. That stress has been known to cause a great deal of damage. It can leave cracks in pipes and even cause them to burst. It can also weaken connections, which is likely to cause leaks. Valves, meters, pumps, and other components in industrial systems are also at risk. Water hammer can interfere with the way those components work, damage them gradually over time, or suddenly destroy them altogether.
How Water Hammer Disrupts Industrial Operations
Because of the significant damage water hammer can cause to industrial equipment, it can also be an extremely disruptive problem. In an industrial system, if a pipe bursts or a pump or valve fails, issues like those are likely to bring about the need for extensive repairs and cleanup. That results in unexpected downtime. At the same time, system failures can be dangerous for workers. If systems are carrying hot liquids, chemicals, or steam, they can cause serious injuries or even death when pipes burst or valves blow.
Preventing Water Hammer
Though water hammer is an incredibly destructive and disruptive force, it’s also preventable. Systems can be designed with built-in preventive measures, like surge tanks, air chambers, and slow-closing valves. Using pipes and pumps that are the right sizes for the jobs they’re expected to do is recommended as well. Furthermore, training operators to be aware of water hammer, what causes it, and how to spot its warning signs can go a long way toward minimizing its risks and consequences.
Protecting Employees and Equipment
Water hammer is far more than an annoying banging sound in pipes. It’s a powerful force that can damage equipment both gradually and suddenly. It’s also dangerous for employees. Taking measures to prevent it, such as having systems designed with built-in safety mechanisms and ensuring workers are properly trained to operate systems, is essential.
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