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FFM 800
FFM 800
Abstract
This section presents the basic physical principles involved in surge and a method
for approximating surge pressure in simple cases. In addition, it identifies two
computer programs available within the Company for analysis of complex fluid
pressure transients.
Contents Page
810 Introduction
If a valve is closed rapidly in a line containing flowing liquid, the inertia of the
flowing liquid will increase the pressure at the valve. This effect is called surge,
and the increase in pressure is called surge pressure. Surge can cause extremely
rapid changes in pressure—rapid enough to cause the metallic percussions
commonly called water hammer. The surge pressure wave will then propagate back
up the line, and may cause mechanical damage.
Water flowing at 10 ft/sec can generate a surge pressure rise of about 500 psi. Bulk
modulus values for hydrocarbons are generally lower than for water, but surge pres-
sures are still significant considerations in designing hydrocarbon piping systems.
See Figures 800-1 through 800-3.
This section provides a method for approximating the maximum surge pressure in a
simple system. Because of nonlinear elements in the analysis, a more thorough
calculation of surge pressure can be a complex problem. See Section 840 for
sources providing more general solution techniques.
Fig. 800-1 Average Bulk Modulus for Crude Oil, Fuel Oil, Gas Oil, and Gasoline
144Kg
α = -------------------------------
ρ 1 + -------------
KDC
Et
(Eq. 800-1)
where:
α = speed of sound through liquid in pipe, ft/sec
K = bulk modulus of liquid, psi. For hydrocarbon liquids, see Figures
800-2 and 800-3; for water, see Figure 800-4.
ρ = density of liquid, lbm/ft3
g = 32.2 ft ⋅ lbm/sec2 ⋅ lbf
D = inside diameter of pipe, inches
t = wall thickness of pipe, inches
E = modulus of elasticity of pipe material, psi
C = constant which depends on pipe fixity
= 0.91 for line anchored against axial movement
= 0.95 for unrestrained line
A pressure disturbance generated at the valve will propagate back to the vessel and
return to the valve in a propagation time equal to 2L/α (where L = line length
between vessel and valve in feet). If the valve closing time (T) is less than 2L/α, the
surge pressure can be approximated by
αρ∆V 2L
P = ---------------- for T < -------
144g α
(Eq. 800-2)
where:
P = surge pressure, psi
∆V = total change in velocity, ft/sec
T = valve closing time, sec
2L/α = propagation time, sec
This solution is only an approximation tailored to this simple case. For example,
this equation is not valid if the valve closing time is greater than 2L/α. Section 840,
references 1, 2, and 3, presents general techniques for calculating surge pressure
accurately and in more complex situations.
840 References
1. “Symposium on Surges in Pipelines,” The Institution of Mechanical Engineers,
Proceedings 1965-66, Vol. 180, Part 3E.
2. Hydraulic Transients, Rich, G. R., Dover Publications, Inc., New York, 1963.
3. Hydraulic Transients, Streeter, V. L., Wylie, E. B., McGraw-Hill, 1967.