Engineers Australia: Surge Analysis of Piping Systems

Original posting from Engineers Australia (no longer available on the web):

Pressure transients are also referred to as surge pressure or, if referring to water systems, water hammer. The latter term suitably reflects the harmful effects that the hammer-like blows accompanying the pressure surges can have on pipes and system components. These shock waves are caused by events such as the rapid acceleration or deceleration of a liquid flow and result not only high positive pressure but can also result in a severe negative pressure. The reason why surge pressure is so dangerous is that it travels at the almost undiminished speed of sound (roughly 1100 m/s for a large number of pipe materials) and can cause potential destruction in every part of the piping system it reaches. As it is often not possible to altogether avoid pressure transients when operating a piping system, the art lies in keeping the pressure transients within controllable limits. Ignoring the problem can lead to disaster and analysing for potential problems & correct solutions can be legally mandatory as specified by standards such as AS2885.

Mitigating surge in complex systems often need expert modelling and design solutions. Methods of mitigating surge often include:

• Installing stronger pipes or lowering velocities
• Addition of Control devices - accumulators or surge relief valves
• One way surge and venting facilities
• Optimisation of valve closing characteristics
• Optimisation of the strategy designed to control the piping system
• Our speakers will share their knowledge and experience on how surge analysis should be performed in the hydrocarbon industry and how mitigation can be optimised.

Speakers

Drs. Nancy Wang and Trevor Walker are both highly qualified chemical engineers who have combined their understanding of chemical engineering science with practical engineering requirements.

Nancy Wang has a PhD in chemical engineering from Sydney University and has worked in Process Engineering, Process Design and Operations Support as a Process Engineer with ICD Asia Pacific P/L .

Trevor Walker graduated with Honours in Chemical Engineering/Computer Science and has recently completed a PhD in chemical engineering whilst working part-time. He is a Senior Process Engineer and has worked with KBR and currently, ICD Asia Pacific P/L in a variety of design and study roles.

Trevor and Nancy have performed numerous surge analysis for clients in the oil industry and provided insights and solutions to many of these systems. Key projects and clients include:

• Caltex Kurnell to Banksmeadow and Newcastle Terminal transfer line automation and surge review
• Sydney JUHI gantry surge analysis
• Caltex Terminal Conversion shore to ship and ship to shore transfer line surge review

Please see flyer attached for further information.