(A) study for a guide chart of lower and upper boundary regions to avoid the condensation-induced water hammer in a long horizontal pipe

Abstract

Effects of the key system parameters such as the pipe length, the pipe diameter, the feedwater temperature and the system pressure on the critical flow rates of both the upper and the lower boundaries have been examined for long horizontal pipes. The upper and lower critical flow rates are sensitive to the pipe diameter, the pipe length and the system pressure, but not to the feedwater temperature over the practical operating ranges. Guide charts of the CIWH region boundary have been developed to be used in the system design and operation to predict the operating conditions vulnerable to the CIWH. The charts illustrate a series of the operating ranges bounded by the lower and the upper limiting curves where the water hammer is very likely to occur. A design and operational procedure has also been provided to help the designer and the operator to avoid the CIWH.