Harper International, Article_6273, Prevent Surge Problems

Harper International: The Strategic Choice - Getting a Crystal Ball to Prevent Surge Problems.

Sure, it's better to address a problem before it's blossomed into a full-blown crisis, but some issues - like water system failure - are difficult to pinpoint "until they happen. Because protecting water flow is the primary objective of a water system, that knowledge is critical. Well, finally, a crystal ball is available to prevent surge problems!

A primary potential culprit of system failure is brief (transient) low or negative pressures (surges) that can crush or burst pipes and valves and allow contaminated water to enter the system. Various conditions;

•  Pump trips or failures
•  Flushing
• Hydrant use
• Water Main breaks
• Fast closing or opening valves
• Air valve or check valve slams
• Sudden changes in system demand
• Oscillating control valves.

 All may cause transient low or negative pressure within a system and can be part of everyday activities.

The perfect crystal ball would give you critical information on system performance and where pressure drop spots might occur. And we are excited about the future-seeing capabilities of Cla-Val's Surge View software.

With the Surge View software, it is possible to optimize the selection of appropriate surge or air valves to determine the most efficient and economical. The software can also help determine safe valve operating times solves or prevent surge problems.

In addition, The American Water Works Association E-Journal has recently published a relevant study on surge problems. It is one of the first systematic, long-term studies to monitor entire distribution systems ("Occurrence of Transient Low and Negative Pressures in Distribution Systems," Gullick, LeChavallier, Svindland & Friedman). The study documents negative pressures in various distribution systems and how contaminated water can enter the distribution system from external environments. The study's results confirm the importance of planning for new designs and accurate diagnosis of existing systems to eliminate their susceptibility to low and negative pressures. Surge View makes that planning process scientific rather than anecdotal.

How does the Surge View system work? It simulates the entire pipeline and the dynamic conditions during a surge event. During the analysis, a graph of pressures over time is superimposed on the pipeline profile, with maximum and minimum pressures shown along the pipe. An animation is displayed showing surge waves as they travel along the pipeline. In addition, the designing engineer, using either Microsoft PowerPoint or Windows Media, can also view these animations.

The graphics below illustrate the software's capabilities, and you can watch an actual animated PowerPoint presentation of the software by clicking on this link:

View software here. It's fascinating to watch. "SurgeView" is available as a service to specifying engineers to aid in the selection of the best Cla-Val products to prevent and relieve surges.