Numerical modeling of water hammer in long water transmission pipeline

Abstract

In the present study, a water transmission pipeline under steady conditions is modeled followed by examining the transient flow created by the failure of pumps in the pipeline. This pipeline is 31 km from the water transmission pipeline of Kerman, Iran. The software analysis results were compared with those of a numerical model for a laboratory test to validate transient flow modeling. While transient flows are created by pump failure, various areas of the water transmission pipelines will be affected by the transient waves produced. Long water transmission pipelines, usually large in diameter and flow rate, will pose problems in the negative pressure phase. The negative pressure causes threatening problems like water column separation and cavitation. The results indicated that using equipment like air valves when the pumps fail alone does not have the appropriate efficiency in eliminating the hazards in the water transmission pipelines. More examination showed that installing equipment like water flow feed and hydropneumatic tanks along the pipeline length in the right places prevents the negative pressure created and the pipeline risk significantly reduces.