Surge Causes Highway Shutdown
Industry Served: Water Treatment
Problem:
A major producer of water treatment chemicals accessed their local water supply through a 3" PVC pipe with quick closing valves. When the desired quantity had been measured and the valve shut, a water hammer effect with pressure spikes that exceeded the PVC pipe's burst strength was created. The PVC repeatedly broke, causing the entire plant to be shut down for repair. In addition, since pipe failure occurred under a nearby highway, it also had to be closed.
Solution:
A Blacoh SENTRY 10 gallon surge suppressor was installed on the pressure side of each quick closing valve to reduce water hammer pressure spikes.
Result:
The damaging water hammer pressure spikes are now absorbed, no pipes have ruptured, and the plant (and nearby highway) have had no downtime due to water hammer.