Hydraulic Transients in Pump Station
Industry Served: Water Treatment
Problem:
AGI Industries was contacted by a local construction company doing the construction on the West Closure Complex Pump Station in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is one of the largest pumping stations in the United States and is part of the Hurricane Protection Project. During heavy storm conditions, including hurricanes, pumps can inadvertently shut down due to power failure. Pumps will also quickly turn back on when power is restored. When this sudden start/stop of the pump occurs, fluid in the system will change velocity rapidly and can actually reverse direction. New incoming fluid can collide with this reverse flow as the pump restarts. This event causes a severe water hammer effect that can damage piping, valves, and the pumps.
Solution:
Blacoh surge tanks were installed at various locations in the pumping station so that when the pumps shut down/restart the water hammer spike is captured in the vessels and no damage occurs to the system. Due to space constraints within the system, Blacoh designed special custom legs for the surge tanks/suppressors that mount to the pump station ceiling. Also, on the vertical surge suppressors, Blacoh provided special mounting brackets to allow for easy installation and support.
Result: