WATER HAMMER

WATER HAMMER
Whenever, the velocity in pipe line is reduced
instantaneously or in a very short time, a
sudden increase in pressure takes place. This
sudden rise in pressure in a pipe due to
stoppage of the flow is known as WATER
HAMMER OR HAMMER BLOW.
 VELOCITY OF PRESSURE WAVE
Velocity of pressure wave is denoted by ″C″
The velocity of pressure wave in Rigid pipe is given as

Where,
Ev = volume modulus of the liquid in Pascal
Ρ = mass density of te liquid in Kg/m3
for water typical value of Ev = 2.07 x 106 KN/m2
 VELOCITY OF PRESSURE WAVE
The velocity of pressure wave in elastic pipe is given as

Where,
D = Diameter of pipe
t = thickness of pipe
E = Modulus of elasticity of pipe material
Equation for Water Hammer Pressure
If the time for closing the valve (T) is assumed to be zero
the valve closure is called instantaneous valve closure.
Equation for Water Hammer Pressure

Let “dv” is change in velocity in time “dt” as the valve is

closed abruptly. In time dt an element of liquid, of length
“Cdt” is brought to rest.

The mass of the liquid compressed against the valve and

comes to rest in time “dt” will be,

Multiplying both sides by ‘a’

Equation for Water Hammer Pressure
DEVELOPMENT OF
WATER HAMMER
PRESSURE
INSTANTANEOUS VALVE CLOSURE
•If the time for closing the valve ″T″ is assumed
to zero, the valve closure is called Instantaneous
valve closure.
•T is the time for closing the valve.
.Consider a pipe of length ″L″ leading from a
reservoir and terminating in a valve at its
downstream. When the valve is Instantaneous
closed a pressure of magnitude ″Ph″ is formed
and moves up with velocity ″C″. The wave
undergoes reflections at the reservoir end as well
as at the valve.
Various stages of Water Hammer
Pressure Wave
 Pressure variation with time at
different sections
1. Figure shows that water
hammer pressure Ph as a
function of time at various
location of the pipe. It is
seen that all locations the
time period for a complete
cycle is 4L/C.

2. The time To = 2L/C, is

called as critical time.
RAPID VALVE CLOSURE
•If the time for closing the valve ″T″ is more
than Zero but less than ″2L/C ″ the valve
closure is called as Rapid Valve Closure.
•T≤2L/C
•The maximum pressure rise is still the same as
for instantaneous closure. i.e.
SLOW VALVE CLOSURE
•Ifthe time for closing the valve is greater than
″2L/C″ the valve closure is called as slow valve
closure.
•T › 2L/C
•In this case the maximum pressure rise is less
than in the preceding. Thus the water hammer
pressure for slow valve closure when, T=2L/C
is given approximately;
DESIGN OF PIPE THICKNESS
•The water hammer pressure Ph will be above
and over steady state pressure in pipe.
•Ps (referred commonly as static pressure).
Hence, the pipe will have to withstand a total
pressure Pt given by

•The stress in the pipe wall is given by the thin

cylinder formula.
Where,
t = thickness of the pipe wall
D = diameter of the pipe

For design, stress should be less than working stress of

the pipe material.

The minimum thickness of the pipe wall is,

For steel normal working stress is 100 MPa.

Method for controlling Water Hammer

1.Slow valve closure

2.Pressure relief valve
3.Surge tank
Practical Application of
Water Hammer
Problem
Water from a reservoir flowing through a rigid
pipe 15 cm diameter, with a velocity of 2.44
m/s, is completely stopped by a valve situated
at 1067 m from reservoir. Determine the
maximum rise in pressure when valve closure
takes place.
1.1sec.
2.5 sec.

Ev for water 2.06 x 106 KPa.

Solution
Dia of pipe = 15 cm
Velocity of pipe = 2.4 m/s
Length of pipe = 1067 m
Maximum pressure rise = ?

Velocity of pressure wave in rigid pipe,

Solution
To decide about the type of valve closure,

Case 1: when T = 1 sec.

as; T<2L/C (rapid valve closure)

Solution
Case 2: when T = 5 sec.

as; T>2L/C (slow valve closure)

Problem
An cast iron pipe with 15 cm diameter and 1.5
cm thickness, is conveying water when the
outlet is suddenly closed. Calculate the
maximum permissible discharge if the pressure
rise is not to exceed 1700 KN/m2. take Ev for
water as in previous problem and
E = 117 x 106 Kpa for cast iron pipe.
Solution
Dia of pipe = 15 cm
Pipe thickness, t = 1.5 cm
Maximum pressure rise = 1700 KN/m2
Ev = 2.06 x 106 Kpa
E = 117 x 106 Kpa
Maximum permissible discharge = ?

For velocity of pressure wave in elastic pipe

Solution

For rapid closure,

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